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TOGO 

The Missionary's Dog 

An Autobiography 

By REP. OLIVER E. MANN 

N 

mm 

BROADWAY PUBLISHING CO. 
835 Broadway, New York 



Copyright , 1913 , 

BY 

Broadway Publishing Co. 


To my kind Master and Mistress, 

To Alice and Joe, 

To all girls and boys, 

indeed, to all who love dogs, do I dedicate this 
book, hoping that the perusal of it will stimulate 
them in their affection toward all dumb animals, 
and in their efforts toward securing greater con- 
sideration for the well being and happiness of 
those creatures who are fulfilling the part de- 
signed for them by an all wise and beneficent 
creator. 


Togo. 



Hurrah! for the days of puppy-hood, 
When hearts were light and free : 
Hurrah! for the days of doggiehood, 
For the fun and jollity. 






























\ 





* 


✓ 












I 











Togo, the Missionary's Dog 


CHAPTER I. 

It is considered by some to be a necessity for a 
dog to be able to establish his pedigree beyond 
doubt or quibble, and to show that he has de- 
scended from well bred parents, if he desires to 
be considered a dog of importance. 

I am not so sure that I aspire to such an 
honor as that, however, although I suppose the 
fact of me writing my own biography at all, be- 
trays a certain desire on my part of being con- 
sidered of some little importance. That fact also 
should give sufficient assurance that I am not 
descended from mean parentage, for nothing is 
meaner than for a dog to lack self-esteem, and 
to go prowling about as though he were apologiz- 
ing for his very existence. I hold that a dog 
above all animals should possess a certain amount 
of self-esteem, but he should guard against get- 
ting what is called a “swelled head/’ for that 
complaint will get a dog into all kinds of trouble. 

Do you ask why I make the attempt to write 
my own biography? For the simple reason that 
i 


TOGO 


I consider it will make interesting reading. You 
are aware that some poor dogs live very unevent- 
ful, humdrum lives, as also do some men and 
women, boys and girls. 

Indeed, some dogs scarcely are allowed to leave 
their kennel, while others must not venture be- 
yond the backyard of the house to which they 
belong. Such dogs, therefore, would have noth- 
ing very interesting to write about. Why, they 
do not know even what it is to glory in a good 
fight. 

It has been my lot, however, to travel quite a 
lot, and also to experience many “ups and 
downs,” as the man said who had one short leg. 

And though those ups and downs are not al- 
ways enjoyable experiences even for a dog, yet 
I quite think that a great number of boys and 
girls will be interested in reading about them. 

There are many people, both young and old, 
who love dogs, and who are much interested in 
their doings, and though my chief object is not 
to boast of myself, yet I believe that such people 
will be interested. 

Ah, yes! To my sorrow I am aware there are 
some people who positively hate dogs, and who 
are just ready to kick them when they come near. 

I am writing my own experience regarding 
this, for I have received kicks from boys and also 
from men, though I have not been in their way, 
and they have said spitefully : “Get out of it, you 
brute,” or else, “Here, scoot, you hound.” 

I never could understand why we poor dogs 
2 


TOGO 


should be subject to such treatment, for some of 
us are of such a temperament that we would do 
anything in our power for those with whom we 
are acquainted. J Tis true we are only animals, 
while men and boys are called human beings ; but 
I could never understand why dogs should be 
kicked and whacked with sticks for no apparent 
reason whatever. 

Is it not well to remember that not a single 
one of us asked as a special favor, that we might 
come into this world? But, owing to the treat- 
ment meted out to us, many of us would deem it 
a favor to be put out of this sometimes uncharit- 
able world where we are so ill treated. 

After easing my mind thus far I will now pro- 
ceed with my story. 

Pedigree or no pedigree, my mother was a 
“Collie” dog. I had not the pleasure of knowing 
her, as I was taken away from her when but a 
few days old. 

It has been said in my hearing more than once 
that I am much like her in appearance. 

They have also said that she was a very faith- 
ful dog, too. 

A person who was well acquainted with my 
mother said she would have been a very useful 
dog for a sportsman, only, early in life when ac- 
companying her master on a duck shooting expe- 
dition, she ran into the water a little too soon 
and scared the ducks, causing them to fly away 
beyond reach of the gun. 

Her master was angry at this, and, calling her 

3 


TOGO 


to him, he whipped her so unmercifully that she 
was spoilt for hunting after that 

Being a very sensitive dog she always seemed 
to fear a repetition of that whipping when her 
master was out with a gun. 

Though I did not know my father, I under- 
stand that he, too, was a faithful animal, and he 
was a great hunter. 

He was reared upon an Albertan Homestead, 
and has been known to hunt in the woods for rab- 
bits, bring them home, and lay them at my 
mother’s feet, while she would bark her approval. 
At other times when my mother was not quite as 
fast as he in running them down, he would chase 
away in front of them and turn them toward her, 
thus giving her the pleasure of catching them for 
herself. 

That is about all that I can tell you of my 
parents. A good, kind, faithful mother, spoilt 
by an unwise and cruel master, and a thoughtful, 
clever father. 

If I can show forth these qualities in my life 
truthfully, I shall be satisfied. 

I was born in a rudely built, leaky log shack 
away in the Canadian Province of Alberta. 

It was about midwinter, and the temperature 
was about twenty degrees below zero. 

Two pretty little sisters were born at the same 
time, and for a week or two they were my con- 
stant companions. 

Oh, dear me! I sigh and feel heavy hearted 

4 


TOGO 


when I think of those days ; we three little doggies 
w r ere so unutterably miserable. 

Our mistress was deserted by her husband, and 
she often went out and left us three puppies in 
that cold shack all alone. 

Oh ! at times it was so cold ; the fire would go 
out soon after she left, and we would begin to 
shiver and whine and bark ; and though we would 
frisk about plenty, the cold fairly crept into our 
bones. The saucer of milk which she usually left 
us would soon be gone, and we were left hour 
after hour without food of any description. 

Then, when we were only a few days old, we 
were put into a large box in which were some 
dirty rags, and the box was placed in a porch 
which was over the doorway of the shack. 

True, this was a change, but it was not any 
improvement, for we were still subjected to the 
cold zero weather; and being confined in that 
box, we were afforded but little exercise, and 
there was no chance of getting out, for the sides 
of the box were so high. 

Besides these inconveniences, we had only 
about half enough food to eat, and it seemed such 
an awful long time between meals. 

I could not say how many days we were im- 
prisoned in that box, for it seemed an age. You 
see there was nothing at all to take our attention. 
All we could do was to jump about and roll over 
each other, and snap and whimper and whine; 
while even then our little legs became cramped 
with the confinement. 


5 


TOGO 


We were only young pups, it is true, but we 
had quite a lot of life and energy, and our hunger 
made us snappy and awfully impatient with each 
other. 

As might be expected, after a while our box 
prison became unspeakably filthy, and the rags, 
too, were awfully nasty. 

Oh, dear! I sigh again at the remembrance of 
those days, and I will not dwell any longer upon 
them. 

I am truly glad that they are gone, never to re- 
turn. 

Oh, if people would only remember that dogs 
have feelings, and that they have just as much 
pleasure in being clean as the best of people have. 

And, really, it takes such a little thought and 
consideration on the part of their keepers to make 
them comfortable and even happy. 


6 


CHAPTER II. 


Occasionally the cold passed away, and the 
beautiful sun shone forth so cheery and warm that 
it made us long more than ever to be released 
from our box prison. 

But, though the sun shone so warm and bright, 
not a ray of it reached us. 

I will leave you to guess what kind of a noise 
we made as we saw the rays of light stream 
across the top of our box ; they were so near, and 
yet so far. 

We had by this time acquired quite an impor- 
tant bark, and when we saw those streaks of 
light across our box prison we became excited and 
barked loudly, I assure you. 

I always look back upon those days as one 
looks bade upon a nightmare, with the fervent 
hope that I may never experience the like again. 

It is, however, “a long lane that has no turn- 
ing,” and eventually we were released from our 
box prison. 

Another sunshiny day dawned, and we were 
giving our customary trio of barks and yelps, 
when, presently, we became more excited than 
ever, for we suddenly heard during the pauses of 
our own, the sound of children’s voices. 

They were so musical, sweet and gentle, that 
we ceased barking in order to listen, which we 
did intently. 


7 


TOGO 


And, lo ! in another moment the pretty faces of 
a girl and boy peered over the edge of our box 
prison, presumably to take a good look at us. 

’Tis perfectly true we had never seen such 
pretty faces before. Indeed, the face of our mis- 
tress was about the only face we had ever seen, 
and, all due respect for her, we could scarcely 
say of a truth that her face could be entitled 
pretty. 

Neither had we ever heard such soft sweet- 
toned voices before ; they were music to our ears, 
and we could scarcely say that the gruff manly 
voice of our mistress could be termed either soft 
or sweet. 

Indeed, we scarcely knew what to make of 
this delightful apparition ; we were dazed. 

However, we soon regained our senses, and 
then the three of us stood erect against the sides 
of our box prison and gave a salvo of barks long 
and loud. This was followed by such vociferous 
exclamations of glee and excitement that the lit- 
tle girl and her brother became excited, too. 

“Oh, what beautiful cute little things they are,” 
exclaimed the girl whose name was Alice, as she 
fairly danced with joy. 

“Cute? I should think they are, and pretty 
woolly little things they are, too,” almost shouted 
the boy whose name was Joe. 

“Which one would you like?” questioned our 
mistress, whose voice sounded harsh indeed after 
the soft mellow tones of the children’s. 

“Oh, # I would like that one,” answered Alice, 
8 


TOGO 


pointing to me. “Wouldn't you, Joe?" ques- 
tioned she, turning to her brother persuasively. 

“Well, — yes, I believe I would," answered Joe, 
who was not quite so ready in settling upon a 
choice as his sister. 

“Yes, I believe that one is the prettiest of the 
bunch," added he, “though the others are pretty, 
too." 

“All right, you can have it," said our mis- 
tress. 

“Come over in a few days, bring a bag for 
it and you can take it home : glad to get rid of the 
little brute." 

“Oh ! Thank you so much," said Alice. That 
will be awfully jolly, won't it, Joe?" 

“Just the very identical, just what I've been 
wanting," replied Joe, as they moved away. And 
then we were left again to endure the solitude of 
our box prison. 

It seemed as though the sun had shone in right 
upon us for a little while, and then had taken it- 
self away. We rolled over each other a few 
times, snapping and snarling in vexation of 
spirit, to think that we were left again to suffer 
confinement, and soon we fell asleep. 

I cannot say how many days passed, it was im- 
possible to count time in that dull, dirty, gloomy 
box. 

Our misery, now we had caught a glimpse of 
light, life and joy, was only the more complete. 

The day of days for me arrived eventually, 
however, and once again we were brought to a 

9 


TOGO 


high pitch of excitement as that vision of light, 
life and joy appeared, and we heard the piping 
voices of Alice and Joe. 

This time they peeped boldly over the top of 
our box prison, and the sight of them was like 
the rays of sunshine again. Just as we were 
springing up to show our pleasure at their ap- 
pearance, I was suddenly grasped around the 
neck by the strong grip of my mistress' hand, 
and lifting me clear out of the box, she pushed 
me roughly into a sack. 

I did not appreciate this rough treatment, and 
accordingly showed my dislike by wriggling and 
yelling to the utmost pitch of my voice, and as 
soon as my mistress' strong hand released its 
grip of my neck, I struggled and in an instant 
I was out of the sack again and running about the 
yard. 

Liberty is a blessed thing, and I fairly revelled 
in my freedom. 

Joe, however, darted after me, and presently 
after a heated chase succeeded in catching me, 
saying as he did so : “Here, you little beggar, we 
want you," and I was finally pushed into the sack 
and held there until it was tied up with string. 

Then began an unpleasant experience, Bump! 
Jolt! Squeeze! Was I not being carried by Joe, 
and was not the sack slung over his shoulder? 
Of course I barked a little, and so would you 
were you similarly placed. 

“Shut up, you little beggar," said Joe, as he un- 
ceremoniously flopped me on the ground. “Carry 
10 


TOGO 


him a bit, Alice, he is only a small lump, but he 
gets weighty after a little while.” 

And then for a while, I had an easier ride. 
However, I could tell that Alice was tiring, and 
soon she put me down. 

That was not at all a desirable ride, for they 
both got tired so often, and I was dumped to 
the ground many times. 

“Here, take care, you silly,” exclaimed Joe as 
Alice dropped me rather suddenly to the ground. 
Well, he plunged and kicked, and I couldn't hold 
him,” explained Alice. Then, patting me through 
the sack she said in her customary soft tone: 
“There, never mind little doggie, I couldn't help 
it, besides we shall soon be home.” 

I tell you there is a soothing power in soft, 
kind words. I did not mind Alice shaking me up 
or dropping me down hard near so much after 
that, for she did not fail to pat me and talk 
soothingly afterward, and I had never heard 
such nice loving words before. 

Still, I was not sorry when at last the sack was 
put down and I was allowed for the first time 
in my life to have proper liberty. To my great 
surprise and joy, I found I was in a large, cosy 
room. Tired as I was with my rough journey, a 
bright, happy feeling took possession of me, and I 
scampered around the room with such great de- 
light that Alice and Joe became excited, too, and 
chased around after me. 

“Look, Ma! what a pretty little ball of fur it 
is,” exclaimed Alice, in high glee. “He certainly 
ii 


T O G 0 


is the cutest little fluffy coat that ever was.” 

“There, look ! see him stand on his hind legs !” 

“To be sure he is a bright little fellow,” said 
Alice’s mother with a kindly voice. 

“Now, steady Joe,” said she, as Joe was in- 
clined to handle me roughly. “Don’t forget he 
is only a little baby doggie, and cannot stand 
rough treatment.” 

I had been greatly excited, and soon began to 
feel quite fatigued with the unusual exercise, and 
seeing a nice, warm spot by the stove I laid down 
and in a minute was fast asleep. 

I am speaking truth when I say that that was 
the nicest sleep I ever experienced. So cosy and 
warm I felt, and Alice stroked me down the back 
saying: “Poor little tired doggie, let him go to 
sleep; he is as tired as two dogs.” 

And I did sleep. I do not know how long I 
slept, but I was quite vexed when I was awakened 
by the thoughtless boy Joe, who was impatient 1 
and could not wait until I had finished my sleep, 
for he wanted to play with me. 

I have forgiven him, however, for I have found 
since that nearly all boys have a good measure of 
thoughtlessness, so Joe was no exception. In- 
deed, I have since learned to love him, thoughtless 
and mischievous though he is. 

They kindly gave me a saucer of milk, and soon 
I was as lively as ever, and gave them all the fun 
they wanted. 

Let me note that the saucer was clean, and the 
milk was warm, and after I had emptied it the 
12 


TOGO 


three of us settled down to play, and we had the 
greatest fun imaginable, the three of us playing 
like puppies. 

Alice found great pleasure in rolling me over 
and saying : “Come along, you little ball of fluff.” 

And when I succeeded in getting to my feet 
I barked loudly, and caught hold of her dress with 
my tiny teeth. 

When either of them became rough, their 
mother said: “Now, you children, just be careful, 
and don't forget that he is only a little baby dog 
and has to be handled with care.” 

“Oh,” replied Alice, “I would not hurt the 
little ball of fluff for all the world.” 

And I quite believe it, for though Joe would 
now and again give me a rough smack, and in 
later days even a sly kick, when I failed to please 
him, Alice never did a mean thing like that, she 
was always so gentle and kind. Still, I some- 
times preferred Joe before Alice in spite of his 
occasional rough treatment, for in those days I 
was always full of fun and not a little mischie- 
vous. 

We played much in the house during those cold 
days, and Joe would lay and roll on the floor with 
me, and when we were tired he would go to sleep 
with his head resting upon me. 

Of course, I appreciated such comradeship. 
Those were indeed happy days, and were such a 
contrast to those which I spent in that filthy box 
prison. 


13 


TOGO 


I thought then that little puppies and little boys 
and girls were very much alike, for they have 
very little to do only to eat and drink, to play and 
sleep. 

I presently found, however, that even little pup- 
pies had lessons to learn. 

One day I did something which displeased Joe's 
mother, who of course was now my mistress, and, 
woe is me ! I was banished to an outside wood- 
shed and was exposed to the cold. I think I must 
surely have been forgotten, for although I laid 
upon a sack for warmth I got so very cold. 

Surely I must soon have died had not Joe's 
father come to look for me, and seeing that I was 
shivering with cold and quite helpless, he picked 
me up and carried me into the house and laid me 
under the stove. The warmth soon revived me, 
and before long I was playing and frisking about 
the room as lively as ever. 

Yes, I soon began to understand there were 
lessons to learn, and I was occasionally after that 
put outside the door, and let in again after a few 
minutes, and soon I began to understand what 
was meant. I had to be clean, and behave, and 
learn to do as I was told. 

Without a doubt those early lessons were good 
for me, and I have never forgotten them. I have 
occasionally seen boys and girls who did not learn 
the lessons of obedience and behavior as well as 
they might have done. 

Possibly some were not well taught, and may- 
14 


TOG O 


be others were slow to learn. Really, some chil- 
dren appear to think it a great thing to disobey 
their parents and almost make a boast of their dis- 
obedience. 


15 


CHAPTER III. 


Although the winters of my native prov- 
ince, Alberta, are sometimes rather long in dura- 
tion, there is usually an abundance of the bright- 
est and most cheerful sunshine you ever saw. 

I was always glad to run about outside when 
the weather was favorable, and then I had plenty 
of exercise, romping and tearing around in and 
and out of the bush. 

My master’s house was built of logs, and there 
was a particular place I discovered which was an 
attraction to me. It was a hole under one of the 
logs, through which I could get right under the 
house. True, it was only a small hole, but I 
was only a small pup, though my shaggy bushy 
coat made me look much like a teddy bear and 
larger than I really was. 

I soon began to look upon that hole as my 
castle, and I noticed that when I sat in my castle 
entrance and barked a furious bow, wow, wow, it 
afforded great pleasure to Alice and Joe. 

I learned my first lessons as a watch dog under 
the friendly shelter of my castle. 

’Tis true it was more like a den than a castle, 
but Alice gave it that name, and I believe that I 
prefer it, too. 

Occasionally a stranger would approach the 
house, and as soon as they made their appearance 
16 


TOGO 


I would put on my fiercest look, and bark my 
loudest, always taking care to keep in the friend- 
ly shelter of my castle fortress. 

It was while I was in command of this fortress 
that a question was asked by my mistress : 

“Well, children,” said she, “what are we going 
to call this little fuzzy-wuzzy? He must have a 
name, you know.” 

“Why not call him ‘Fuzzy/ ” suggested Alice. 

Then several other names were mentioned by 
both Joe and Alice. 

At last my master came to the rescue and said : 

“Now, don't be in too great a hurry; we want 
a sensible name for this little fellow.” Then, put- 
ting on his most thoughtful look he said : “I have 
it, seeing he is such a fierce little fellow, full of 
courage and warlike in spirit, he reminds me of 
Admiral Togo, the great Japanese hero.” 

“How would it do to give him the name 
Togo ?” 

“Oh, yes!” cried Alice, “just the very name; 
let us call him ‘Togo.’ Shall we, you young ras- 
cal?” added she, turning to me and rolling me 
over. 

What else could I do but bark my approval at 
so great an honor being conferred upon me ? My 
castle was indeed a dandy place for me. When 
Joe wanted to play some of his tricks on me I 
would run to my retreat, and under its sheltering 
cover I was able to bark at him as fiercely as I 
chose, and defy him to follow me. Oh, the happy 
days of doggiehood! Nothing to trouble about, 
1 7 


TOGO 


no worries, no particular duties — life was simply 
a long play. 

Winter passed away. The genial chinook 
winds soon melted the little snow that remained. 
I then began to accompany my master on his 
various excursions to the woods. Sometimes also 
we took long journeys after the cows. I began 
to consider myself an important member of the 
family, and when on those excursions after the 
cows, I would run along by my master’s side 
barking officiously to keep them moving. I soon 
learned how to drive the slow ones along. 

“Fetch them along, Togo,” master would say, 
and I knew I was expected to use a little force 
to move them along. Very frequently one would 
get off the trail or hang back, and I would chase 
after her and bring her along. 

If I happened to drive them a little too fierce 
he would say: “Steady, Togo, steady, boy,” and 
I knew that I had to slow down a bit. When I 
happened to drive to his satisfaction, he would 
say: “Good, Togo, good, old boy,” and I needed 
no telling that he was giving me praise. Oh, yes, 
dogs can tell the difference between praising and 
scolding, and I assure you a word of praise 
is a great help even to a dog. 

The weather was getting warmer, and I lived 
outdoors practically all the time, and scarcely 
ever wanted to go in the house. 

However, when I wished, I was allowed to go 
inside, and I found that in order to be let out 
again I had only to go to the door, wag my tail 
18 


TOGO 


and give a gentle wow ! wow ! and the door would 
be opened for me. 

I grew rapidly, too, and found that disadvan- 
tages sometimes attend growth, for I became too 
big for the entrance to my castle. 

I was slow to acknowledge this, however, and 
one day in spite of the fact that I had previously 
experienced great difficulty in getting inside of 
my castle, I was determined to get in again. I 
squeezed and squeezed, until my perseverance 
was rewarded and I got inside. I felt rather 
proud of my victory. But I was young and fool- 
ish, for a little later I wanted to get out again, 
but found to my dismay that I could not. What a 
fix I was in to be sure. I tried and tried until I 
was weary and fell asleep. When I woke up I 
found I was hungry, and tried to get out again 
but failed. 

Toward evening, I heard Joe running about 
outside and I began to whine so as to draw his 
attention. Joe came to my castle entrance and 
called me. I tried to squeeze through, but could 
not. Then Joe caught hold of my ear and tried 
to pull me out, but he hurt me and I squealed and 
drew back out of his reach. 

As a last resource Joe went and called his 
father ; when his father came the real struggle be- 
gan, for he succeeded in catching me by the neck 
and he had a good grip of me, too. 

But my name was not Togo for naught. 

I stubbornly resisted this rough usage and 
pulled back with all my might. 

19 


TOGO 


My master of course was the strongest, and he 
pulled me gently, but firmly, and at last got me 
out. Perhaps it is needless to add that I was 
quite sore after that experience. 

It was about this time that I used to be very 
much scared by noises which I heard at night 
time, for I was unable for a while to understand 
whence they came. 

Whatever could they be? Such loud shrill 
noises they were. “Yep, Yep, Yep, Ya-ou. Ya, 
Ya, Ya, Yep, Yep, Yep. Ya-ow. Wa! Wa! Wa! 
Again and again they sounded, first from one di- 
rection, then from another, until it seemed as 
though the whole country was full of the noises 
and echoes. 

Yes, I confess I was scared at first when I heard 
those unearthly yells, but I declare in spite of my 
fears I ran to the spot from whence they appeared 
to come, but saw nothing, and I barked my very 
loudest in defiance of an enemy or enemies who 
feared to show themselves. Those noises con- 
tinued at intervals for many nights. 

I afterwards found out they were coyotes. 
Fierce brutes and wild, with sharp teeth, leering 
eyes, and cunning, sly faces. When at last I saw 
one, my scared feeling vanished, and I gave chase. 

It was no use, however, for when I ran toward 
him and barked, he easily outran me, and then 
at a distance sat and cheekily leered at me. 

Of course I should have been no match for a 
coyote, for I was not very big and they are fierce 
brutes. 


20 


TOGO 


I soon became quite familiar with the name of 
this fierce looking yet cowardly animal, and Joe 
had only to say “coy-o-te” Togo, and I was after 
it like a shot out of a gun, racing around to find it, 
or to discover the scent. 

Often that mischievous Joe would say: “Coy- 
o-te, Togo/’ just to fool me and to see me race 
around ; this led me to doubt his word afterward, 
for even a dog does not like being fooled. You 
will not be surprised when I say that it is a diffi- 
cult thing even for a dog to serve two masters. 
Joe’s father always taught me to studiously run 
either behind, or to the side of him, but when I 
was out with Joe, he would have me running 
about in all directions. Consequently, when I 
lapsed into this habit while out with my master, 
punishment would follow. 

Nevertheless, those were very happy days. I 
was ever growing, and learning, and life was full 
of joy. 

Oh, the delightsome fun I used to have with 
Alice and Joe, romping and tumbling about. 
Alice always had such a musical, cheerful and 
merry laugh, and it seemed at times as though 
she would burst, my pranks used to amuse her so. 


21 ! 


CHAPTER IV. 


As soon as the summer came in, my master 
went away to town, and left me behind with the 
family. 

I expressed a desire to accompany him as he set 
out for town, but I was disappointed. 

“Go back, Togo, old boy, you must not go with 
me this time; go back and keep house for me,” 
said he, and mournfully and unwillingly I re- 
turned. 

However, about two weeks after my master’s 
departure, while watching and guarding the house 
and surrounding buildings, I noticed an unusual 
commotion about the house. Boxes were being 
packed and set outside, and there was a general 
bustle and excitement. What could it all mean? 
I could not understand it at all, so I barked and 
jumped and looked enquiringly around. 

Presently my mistress said : “Togo is wonder- 
ing what all the bustle is about. Here, Togo, get 
a move on, get ready to go with us.” 

And a little while after, a team and wagon ar- 
rived at the house, furniture and boxes were 
loaded on it, and then Alice, Joe, and their mother 
got into the wagon. 

“Come on, Togo, get in with us,” said Alice, 
calling to me. But no, I did not like the idea of 
riding at all. 

I protested vigorously, and was allowed my 
22 


TOGO 


liberty to follow as a good dog should. Be it 
noted, however, that one cannot always see the 
end of the journey from the start. I could not. 
The old white faced cow, Eliza, was hitched to 
the wagon, and from the start she did not like 
being tied up thus, and accordingly she demon- 
strated her objection in a forcible way. First, she 
tried to get liberty by lurching forward, then by 
hanging back, and I was busily employed in 
keeping her within bounds. She was a huge cow, 
and she was also old and stubborn. As I looked 
up at her from my lowly position close to Mother 
Earth she appeared gigantic in size. 

She was a great weight, too, for when she 
pulled back she nearly stopped the horses, and 
when she lurched to one side we were fearful 
that she would overturn the wagon with all the 
furniture and occupants. 

Of course I got into several scrapes during that 
journey through ’Liza’s stubbornness, and stupid- 
ly, for when I barked to keep her from dragging 
behind, she took it too seriously, and finding that 
sundry kicks did not stop me, she altered her tac- 
tics and tried that famous lurch of hers which 
shook things up quite a bit; besides frightening 
the occupants and producing angry words from 
the driver. 

A dog often gets into trouble, even while he 
thinks he is doing his duty faithfully. We rested 
several times during the day’s journey, and after 
having our meals by the roadside we pushed on 
again with renewed vigor. 

23 


TOGO 


Thus we travelled slow and sure through the 
whole of that day until long after dark. My lit- 
tle legs, unused to such strenuous exertion, be- 
gan to feel very tired, but I trudged on, taking a 
rest now and again, and Eliza, having sobered 
down quite a bit, trudged on sulkily. 

It had been dark several hours when at last 
we drew into town and stopped in one of its sub- 
urbs. Preparations were then made for spend- 
ing the remainder of the night outdoors, for it 
was too late to seek other shelter. 

I was as tired as any in our company, and was 
not at all sorry to lie down and rest. ? Tis true the 
rest was short, but it was also sweet, and mine 
was only occasionally disturbed by the barking 
of town dogs which I resolutely ignored, resolv- 
ing to rest while I could. 

I was awake by daylight and then a great 
surprise awaited me. 

On looking around, I saw a great number of 
houses, very different from the two or three farm 
houses and shacks it had hitherto been my lot to 
see. These were large handsome buildings, 
brightly painted and fenced around. There were 
also sidewalks on either side of the streets. 

This was all so new and strange to me that I 
resolved to keep close to our wagon. Our party 
soon awoke, and, throwing off their covers pre- 
pared to “strike camp.” 

We made our way up one of the streets, past 
many fine houses, and before long, to my great 
surprise, we stopped before one. 

24 


TOGO 


But another surprise awaited me here. Who 
do you think came out to welcome us? It was 
my master. Indeed, I had not thought of see- 
ing him here. Did I know him, do you ask ? To 
be sure I did ; and I jumped up to him and frisked 
around, feeling that all must be well since he was 
here. 

It may be my fancy, but he seemed quite as 
pleased to see me as I was to see him. 

“Why, Togo, old boy,” said he, “where have 
you been all this time ?” 

It felt real good to hear his voice again, and to 
see his familiar face. 

So this was to be our future home ; and I pro- 
ceeded to make myself comfortable at once. It 
did not take me long to become acquainted with 
my new surroundings, though I was green from 
the country, but the process of becoming ac- 
quainted was not always pleasant. 

For instance : I accompanied my mistress into 
the town one day. Yes, right up into the busy 
streets. * Imagine me, a poor country bred dog, 
in the streets of a busy town. 

How strange I felt. Everything I saw was so 
new and strange to me. 

Of course we met other dogs of various sorts 
and sizes and colors; and nearly all of them 
snarled and snapped at me as though I was an 
hobo. I felt the insult very much. 

How inhospitable they were. 

Perhaps they thought I was only a green dog 
from the country, and fit only to be despised. I 
25 


TOGO 


was a trifle green, it is true, and this was my 
first introduction to town life, but surely that was 
no excuse for their being rude and uncivil or 
boorish with me. 

I must confess that presently I became quite 
angry at their insults, for had I not as much right 
to the sidewalk as they ? 

Surely civility and tolerance becomes everyone 
So insistent were they in pressing around me, 
and in showing their disapproval of my presence 
in their town, that I became very near having a 
quarrel several times. And who could have 
blamed me when they came running up to me so 
sudden and furious as to nearly overturn me. 

And then, while my nerves were still unstrung, 
when we got along into the center of the town 
I received a shock that took me a long time to 
recover from. 

Right across the street there stood a huge crea- 
ture, I cannot say how many times larger than 
me. My old friend Eliza was a giant to me, but 
here was a creature that would be many times a 
giant to Eliza, and there it stood right across the 
road, snorting, hissing, puffing, and emitting 
clouds of steam and smoke. 

It made such an unearthly noise, too, that it 
drowned all the other noises of the street. You 
will not call me a coward will you? You will not 
charge me with disgracing mv name, when I say 
that I was just completely scared into fits. 

Oh, it was an awful sight to me, just awful. 
26 


TOGO 


My nerves which were already unstrung, simply 
went to pieces, as the saying is. 

What did I do? Well, I hate to confess it, but 
the truth will out, I took to my feet and ran back 
down that street just as fast as my legs would 
carry me; and I could run fairly well, too, for a 
dog of my age. I was only young and small. 

I tell you, young Joe could not begin to keep up 
with me in running. I could beat him easily. 

Yes, I forgot my mistress and everything but 
that terrifying monster across the road. My mis- 
tress, however, afraid lest I should be lost, fol- 
lowed me down the street, calling: 

'Togo, Togo/' between her spasms of laugh- 
ter. 

It was quite a while, however, before I could 
gather together the reins of my scattered wits 
sufficient to follow her again. 

Strange to say, she did not feel at all fright- 
ened. Indeed she laughed so heartily at my dis- 
comfiture that she could hardly walk. I failed to 
see, however, where the joke came in. Seeing 
that she was not scared at all, but took the whole 
thing as a joke, I began to feel better, and slowly 
followed her back along the busy street. 

When we arrived again near the place where 
that huge snorting, puffing, steaming, smoking 
creature had stood, we saw it slowly moving 
away, pulling a long string of heavy cars behind 
it. 

"You great silly doggie,” said my mistress, 
"that engine would not hurt you; see it is going 
2 / 


TOGO 


away and I doubt whether it is even aware of 
your presence in this world, let alone in this town. 
Come along and follow me.” She needed not to 
add to my shame, I was humbled enough, and fol- 
lowed her meekly. A little further up the street 
my mistress went into a store, and I was just 
about to push in after her when she unkindly shut 
the door in my face, leaving me outside. 

I had a faint suspicion that there was a dog 
inside, and I could not bear the idea of another 
dog being near my mistress, so as soon as the 
door was opened again I squeezed in, and sure 
enough there was a dog there, an ere I had a 
chance to act on the defensive he pounced upon 
me and caught me by the ear. Now I was in no 
humor for play at all, and as soon as I realized 
that I was being attacked, I felt my opportunity 
had come to get even with somebody for the in- 
dignities I had suffered that afternoon. 

In about a moment I got loose from him and 
caught him by the neck. Then began a fierce 
struggle. We rolled over and over on the floor 
heedless of anybody, my mistress shouting at me 
all the time. 

We were not allowed to finish the battle, for 
a man with strong arms separated us, and my 
antagonist was put outside. 

“Sure, he’s a plucky little rascal, though he is 
small,” said the man, referring to me. 

It seems that a dog to save himself from get- 
ting hurt must needs stick up for himself in this 
world. 

28 


TOGO 


I learnt very soon, however, that it was neither 
good nor wise to wish to fight every dog I met. 
I found, also, that not every dog that shows its 
teeth wants to fight. 

I foolishly used to think that almost every dog 
we met on the street wanted to interfere with my 
master or mistress, or the children. But I have 
since met with many dogs with whom I could 
live in peace, though I confess to being very 
jealous, and am never comfortable when any 
other dog is near my friends. 

My master has often rebuked me by saying: 
“Togo, you are a great soft, jealous dog. Yet 
will anyone blame me for thinking too much of 
those who delivered me from my box prison, and 
who have been such kind friends to me ever since 
I was a little fluffy pup? 

I have always considered Alice and Joe as my 
particular care, and sometimes when people have 
taken hold of Joe and shaken him in fun just to 
see if I would defend him, they have not looked 
in vain. Indeed, they find me always ready to 
resent such actions even when given in fun, for 
I will not have Joe or Alice handled roughly if 
I can help it. 

While staying at this place I became acquaint- 
ed with several boys who proved good playmates. 
Several of them asked Joe if his father would sell 
me to them, but he quickly and proudly replied : 
“No, he would not sell him even for ten dollars.” 

Of course I was always delighted with the play- 

*9 


TOGO 


ful attention of those children, and we had a 
great number of games together. 

One favorite game I liked was when the boys 
threw a stick a great distance away and then 
said to me: “Fetch it, Togo,” and at the same 
time they would run after it. Of course, I soon 
learnt what they meant by “Fetch it,” and I 
would run after it, too. Sometimes I would al- 
low them to get quite near to it, and then I would 
make a dash and pick it up just as they reached 
out for it, and then I would prance away with it. 

This, of course, generally caused great laugh- 
ter. At other times they would take hold of one 
end of a stick and I the other, and we would have 
a tug-of-war. You should have heard me snarl 
then and play fierce. 

The boys liked that part of the game immense- 
ly. My teeth were now quite strong, and I could 
hold on to a stick in fine style, snarling and look- 
ing fierce at the same time. 

Then again, the boys would throw a ball, and 
were just delighted when I started after it and 
ran away with it in my mouth. 

Occasionally, I would keep them busy chasing 
me, and when I thought I had held it long enough 
I would drop it and move away a few feet where 
I would sit down and guard it. 

It takes a dog to discover the mean boys of a 
town, wherever there are such to be found, dogs 
are generally their victims. 

I would frequently meet with one who evi- 
30 


TOGO 


dently did not care to play fair, and who took 
quite a delight in giving me a sly hit with a 
stick. 

My master always taught me not to be mean ; 
not to bite anyone either in play or even when 
provoked. Consequently some boys took an un- 
fair advantage of my good temper and teased 
me almost beyond bearing. 

There is no doubt but that an occasional bite in 
return for a mean hit or kick would be a good 
lesson for some unfair, cruel boys. 

It was always my delight to play with young 
people, and the smallest tots would be quite safe 
when playing with me. 

Sometimes their parents would ask: “Will he 
bite baby?” And my master or mistress would 
reply: “Oh, no, Togo is a safe dog. I have 
never known him to bite a single child.” 

In some respects I think I have been more for- 
tunate than some dogs I have known. 

For instance : One day some boys who had only 
just left school caught a stray dog that was in 
the neighborhood and tied a tin can to his tail. 

I know with some boys this is a favorite sport, 
although I fail to see what sport there is in wit- 
nessing the terror and suffering of a poor, unfor- 
tunate animal. I knew that particular dog very 
well, but he was a stranger to our neighborhood. 

It was not what one might call a smart dog by 
any means, and perhaps that was the reason why 
they singled him out for this low grade fun. 

3i 


TOGO 


After tying the can to his tail they whooped 
and yelled and made the poor terrified creature 
run. Of course the faster it ran, the more its 
fright was increased by the din of the can be- 
hind him. When the can struck an obstacle, 
which it occasionally did, it bounced over the 
poor creature’s head and back, and of course in- 
creased its confusion. 

The boys laughed and considered it great fun 
indeed. Was it not, however, the very essence 
of meanness to take advantage of a poor, helpless 
creature and causing it to experience such terror ? 

Of course the helpless animal raced about for 
a long time thus, while the boys slinked away 
chuckling to themselves. 

I wonder if those boys would like to be treated 
in a similar manner ? I suppose not. It seems 
there is no punishment for such cruelty, for no one 
tried to catch the boys, and several men who saw 
the so-called fun simply laughed at it. 

There is another thing I would like to men- 
tion, which shows the awful meanness of some 
boys. Several times when playing beside a creek 
or lake, I have been picked up by some ignorant, 
heartless lad, and thrown right into the air, thus 
turning several somersaults before dropping 
upon my back into the water. 

I am sure that is one of the most unkind and 
shameful tricks a boy can be guilty of. Yet to 
their shame be it said, it is often done. 

As a rule, dogs will readily run and jump into 
32 


TOGO 


the water after a stick, or even after a stone, and 
in this way give plenty of fun, and do it hap- 
pily, too, but no dog likes to be thrown in upside 
down, all anyhow. 

How ever any self-respecting, dog-loving boy 
can stand by and see such a shameful thing done 
without a protest, but laugh at it instead, I cannot 
imagine. 

Dogs have even been known to save life by 
jumping into water after children. 

Not a great while ago, a Collie dog similar to 
myself, showed bravery such as entitles a man to 
a Carnegie hero medal. A bright young lad 
only eight years old, was skating on a pond near 
his home, when suddenly the ice broke, and he 
sank into the water. His cries for help were an- 
swered by his faithful Collie who was quite a dis- 
tance away. 

The dog ran to the bank, seemed to recognize 
the peril of the boy, and plunged into the water. 
Taking hold of the back of the young lad’s coat, 
the dog towed him with difficulty to a place 
where he could reach the bank in safety. 

Thus the faithful dog saved the lad’s life. Yes, 
a dog will take a delight in plunging into the 
water, especially on such an errand as the above, 
and will ask no reward, either. 

So, every self-respecting boy should take a 
pride in protecting a dog from mean, cruel tricks, 
whether it be his own dog or not, and the dog 
will not be lacking in appreciation for the trouble 
taken, but will become a life-long friend. 

33 


TOGO 


It may be that kindness to dumb animals is not 
taught in some schools, and perhaps such teaching 
is lacking in some families also. 


34 


CHAPTER V. 


I do not wish to convey the idea that I consider 
myself a paragon of virtue. If I have already 
done so, this chapter will quickly give a very dif- 
ferent idea. 

When I lived in the country I sometimes accom- 
panied my master on his hunting excursions; 
thus, like my father before me, I became an adept 
at chasing rabbits, prairie chickens and partridges 
which I used to do almost at will. 

It seemed one was required to do differently in 
town, for one day as I was running about for 
exercise, I entered a back lane, and presently to 
my agreeable surprise, I saw several fine birds, 
different to those I had seen in the country, ’tis 
true, but desirable birds, nevertheless. 

Of course I ran after them as I had done of 
yore and, being fleet of foot, I had no difficulty 
whatever in catching one of them. I took it 
home, and after eating part of it, I hid the re- 
mainder. 

It tasted, if anything, better than those I had 
been used to in the country, and I paid several 
visits to that backyard, and other birds followed 
the first. 

Then, one day my master saw me finishing my 
supper at the bottom of the garden and he called 
me to him, pointing to the numerous feathers 

35 


TOGO 


scattered around, scolded me, and then gave me 
a sound thrashing. 

Evidently I had done wrong in catching those 
birds, yet how was I to know? I quite thought 
I had a right to take what was within my reach 
as I had done before, but, I made a huge mis- 
take. 

Perhaps that first whipping should have been 
sufficient to teach me not to touch live birds about 
town again, but I did not want to learn such a 
lesson. 

It was not long after this that some friendly 
dogs came around. They somehow had discov- 
ered my aptitude for catching chickens. They 
called me out in a way which I well understood, 
and together we had a council. They suggested 
that seeing I was proficient in the work, I should 
make a raid upon some chickens nearby and bring 
one out for their enjoyment. 

This display of confidence on their part flat- 
tered me. I was easily persuaded to once again 
try my skill. 

Accordingly, I set out on my important mis- 
sion, leaving my friends in the road to await my 
return. It did not take me long to accomplish my 
purpose, and in a few moments I was returning to 
my companions in triumph with a fine chicken in 
my mouth squeaking for its dear life. 

Suddenly, however, there came an end to my 
triumph, for a lady who evidently had watched 
the whole proceedings, came out of the back door 
of the house shouting as though there was some- 
36 


TOGO 


thing the matter, and picking up a stick she ran 
after me. Of course I dropped the chicken and 
ran to my mates, but like the good friends that 
such mates always are, they had disappeared. 

My master heard of this escapade of mine and 
administered another rather severe whipping. 
And yet, in spite of these drawbacks I was en- 
joying life immensely at this place. I now had 
a whole host of friends. 

There were boys, girls and dog playmates in 
abundance. 

Of course I had a few enemies. What dog 
has not? These enemies were hoping to meet 
me some time, and I was hoping to meet them 
one day, just to square accounts. 

I certainly was a daring little dog then, and I 
can now see I was also foolish and stubborn. 

One day another surprise was sprung upon 
me. The folks at home were making prepara- 
tions as though they were about to move again. 

Joe kindly said to me: “Now, Togo, don't you 
know that we are going to move from here? You 
had better get ready; we are not going to leave 
you here, so don't think it." 

Were we in for another long jaunt I wondered. 

Happily my master had sold the old white- 
faced cow Eliza, and had bought another white 
cow, and “Whitey" was a well behaved animal. 

We did not have to travel far this time ; indeed 
it was only to a suburb of the town, and the 
location was a splendid one, too. 

At first I felt a little discontent for I missed 

37 


TOGO 


my many playmates, but I soon got over that 
feeling, for although there were no other play- 
mates besides Joe and Alice, the surroundings of 
this new habitation were more congenial and 
pleasant. The house was situated on the border 
of a lovely grass meadow. 

Nearby, to the east, was a creek, and on each 
side of the creek was a lovely bank of trees. 

Then to the south and southwest was a wide 
space of open country, giving abundant space for 
exercise and play. 

As I said, there were less playmates there, 
but there were also less boys to tease and play 
shabby tricks. I had Alice and Joe, and also 
“Whitey,” the cow, for companions, so I settled 
clown once again to enjoy life. 

I was now of course a full grown dog, with an 
“honest” face, so my mistress said. I had also a 
nice white front which I always took a great 
pride in keeping clean. 

My paws were white, too, and were also kept 
scrupulously clean, far cleaner than Joe’s hands 
often were; so my mistress said again. I was 
also fleet of foot, and fairly good on the scent, 
and my voice had almost lost its puppy tone, and 
was clear as a bell. 

If you accuse me of conceit I cannot deny the 
charge for sometimes my master and mistress 
would be talking about me, and as soon as I 
heard the name “Togo” mentioned, I would look 
up sharply, and try to understand what they were 
saying about me. 


38 


TOGO 


“Oh, mention his name,” my mistress would 
then say, “and he is flattered right away. You 
conceited dog.” 

So I must confess my guilt in that respect. Yet 
do not we all like a word of praise sometimes? 
I tell you dogs do, and I know many boys and 
girls, aye, and parents, too, who are very guilty 
of the same weakness. 

Joe, Alice and I had an abundance of fun 
around this pleasant dwelling. I saw a great deal 
of them, and they gave me great attention, and 
the grassy field was our playground. 

Sometimes there would be cattle feeding in the 
field and I was often employed in “fetching them 
up.” Then when the herders brought their own 
dog, I was not wanted, consequently we were not 
on the best of terms. 

They sometimes came inside our fence and thus 
made themselves too familiar. 

I had my duties to perform and one of 
them was to keep strange dogs outside, so you 
may guess what strife there was occasionally. 
But, really, I never could become acquainted with 
those two dogs nor the mischievous boys who 
brought them, either, for they sometimes set the 
two dogs on to me, that is, if they thought no one 
was near. But I have heard my master say: 
“Every dog has his own day,” and I declare it is 
true, for one day those boys drove our cow 
“Whitey” home with their bunch, and when she 
arrived at their gate, which was about a mile 
from our place, they set those two dogs on to her. 

39 


TOGO 


Now “Whitey” was usually quiet and inof- 
fensive, but she was not afraid of dogs. 
At first she ran towards home, but the 
boys thought they would help her along a bit, 
and said to the dogs : “Sic her, sic her/' and they 
began chasing her unmercifully. Presently 
“Whitey” thought she had had enough, so she 
just turned round and picked the nearest dog up 
on her horns and threw him aside disdainfully, 
and pursued her course home uninterrupted. 

The dog was not quite killed, but almost ; and 
when at last he recovered, he was lame for the 
remainder of his life. 

The dogs were not so much to blame in that 
instance as the boys were. A dog has to do as 
he is told, even if it is wrong, and oftentimes he 
has to suffer for being too obedient. This is 
indeed a strange world. You will agree with 
me, those boys should have been punished, too. 

One day Joe took me over to a neighboring 
farmer’s place. “Oh, dear!” unhappily for me 
I noticed there were many chickens around the 
place, and like a man who cannot pass a bar- 
room door, I, too, succumbed to the temptation 
of those chickens. 

You are already aware of my weakness for 
chickens and that I had not quite conquered my 
liking for them. 

Well, a favorable opportunity came one day, 
and I stealthily proceeded across the little bridge 
which spanned the creek, and then over the fields 
beyond, until I arrived near the house around 
40 


TOGO 


which the chickens were sunning themselves, all 
unconscious of danger. 

I made my way softly toward them and when 
within less than a hundred yards of the house, I 
suddenly heard a man’s voice belch forth : “Get 
out of this you brute.” My, but it did startle 
me, for it was not by any means a melodious 
voice. I knew not for a moment whether to pur- 
sue my course or to retire. While I was hesitat- 
ing, however, the man went inside the house, and 
I thought now is my time, and I drew closer to 
the chickens. 

The closer I drew to them the bolder I felt, and 
they were not scared a bit, when all in an instant 
“Bang!” and in an instant again the echo replied, 
“Bang!” Whatever was the matter? The noise 
was fiercer than thunder, and I received such a 
shock to one of my legs that threw me off my feet 
and I went rolling over in pain and confusion. 

A second later I was on my feet again, and on 
looking around through the smoke I saw the man 
with such an awful grin on his face and with a 
gun in his hand. 

I assure you the look of his face, the noise and 
smoke from the gun, and the awful pain in my 
leg gave me such a shock that I shall never forget. 

I yelled “Baie Yea Yea! Bai, Yea Yea!” and 
ran as fast as my three whole legs could carry me. 

I have fought many a dog my superior in size 
and have not been afraid ; I have dared sometimes 
to do what I knew I ought not to do, and have 
not feared. 


41 


TOGO 


But fear now came into me and took possession 
of me. I lost my liking for chickens ; what cared 
I for them. I was shot, and one leg was drag- 
ging helplessly along. 

I ran toward home and it is surprising the 
speed I was able to keep up; I did not stop until 
I was safely within our own fence. Nevermore 
will I trouble about chickens ; they are not worth 
it. 

Oh, the pain ! Oh, how my poor leg did hurt. 
When my master came home, I limped up to 
him and held up my poor wounded leg for in- 
spection and sympathy. 

“Hello,” said he, “what is the matter now, 
Togie Boy? Well, to be sure you are badly hurt; 
where have you been?” And he gazed at me 
with a puzzled look which made me feel guilty. 
I could only whine, however, in answer to his 
sympathetic inquiry. 

Presently he inspected the wound closely and 
then bathed it, which was a great relief, for much 
of the pain disappeared. 

When Alice and Joe returned home from 
school I was not in my customary place watching 
for them, and they soon wanted to know the rea- 
son. Their father told them, and I assure you it 
was nice to feel that they sympathized with me. 

“Poor, poor Togo,” said Alice, with tearful 
voice: “Did someone shoot at him? What shall 
we do to the cruel man for hurting our little dog- 
gie?” Alice was fairly cute; she could soon tell 
how I got my injury. 


42 


TOGO 


There was such real sorrow and sympathy in 
her voice as she stroked me, that I whined, to let 
her know that I was suffering much, and then 
I wagged my tail to show my gratitude for those 
kind words. 

Ah, indeed ! kind words are the spice of life. I 
pity those poor dogs who get nothing but curses 
and kicks, their lives must be burdensome. 

Joe’s words were few, but he said: “You bet! 
If I had a gun, I would like to shoot him, who- 
ever it was, that dared to shoot my dog.” 

“Hush, you must not talk like that, Joe,” said 
his mother. 

Joe turned to his father. “Can’t we have him 
punished, pa, for shooting our dog?” 

“Well, I guess not,” replied he, diplomatically. 
“You see, Togo must have been up to some mis- 
chief, or he would not have been shot.” 

And I felt there was not quite as much sym- 
pathy in my master’s voice as there was before. 

Then Joe’s mother said : “Do you know I half 
believe Togo must have been after Farmer Gil- 
lie’s chickens, and that the cranky old man caught 
him at it, and shot him with his gun.” 

“But he has no right to shoot another man’s 
dog,” persisted Joe. 

“Besides, he might have killed him,” added 
Alice. 

Evidently between them they had got at the 
truth concerning my injury. I was not slighted, 
but was made comfortable in my kennel. 

Farmer Gillie had to pass my master’s house 
43 


TOGO 


every time he went to town, and when I saw him 
pass I did not forget to bark at him, for now I 
was under my master’s care I felt safe. 

One day Alice said to her mother : “Ma, I be- 
lieve you was right about Togo going after 
Farmer Gillie’s chickens, and was shot by him, 
for he always barks when the disagreeable old 
man passes our place.” 

“Oh, yes,” replied her mother, “I am almost 
sure that is what happened, for he never barked 
at him before.” 

My leg pained me for several weeks during 
which time I limped about the yard the best I 
could. 

It healed up presently enough for me to be 
able to run about almost as well as before to 
Joe’s great delight, but the leg was weak for 
several months after. 

Hurrah for the days of doggiehood, 

When hearts are light and free ; 

Three cheers for the days of doggiehood, 

Full of fun and jollity. 


44 


CHAPTER VI. 


When the winter came, and the snow had cov- 
ered the ground, my lameness had about all gone, 
and I was as nimble as ever. Joe and I had 
great fun in the snow. 

Down by the creek was a nice little hill, and 
Joe used this for a toboggan slide, while I did 
the barking. I would also catch hold of his coat 
while he slid down hill, and sometimes both of 
us went rolling head over heels into the deep 
snow. But trouble never seems to be far distant 
from any of us. 

One day Joe’s mother made him a present of a 
dog harness. I could never feel it my duty to 
thank her for that, somehow. Joe, of course, 
started in hot haste to try that wonderful harness, 
and I was the victim. 

Some dogs do not mind being harnessed like a 
horse or mule, but I do not think that I was ever 
intended as a draught dog. 

For one reason, I was never a large dog, al- 
though I was always strong and wiry for my 
size. No, I could not reconcile myself to that 
hard leather collar, and those straps. 

However, Joe put the collar over my head and 
buckled the strap around me and then fixed the 
traces to the sleigh and pointed out the direction 
in which he wanted me to travel. 

He did not do all this without considerable 

45 


TOGO 


trouble, for I laid down, and then protested by 
rolling upon my back. Joe, however, has a little 
of his father’s persistency and he took no notice 
of my struggles but just went ahead until I was 
harnessed. But when he wanted me to “gee up” 
I rebelled; and what self-respecting dog would 
not? But Joe was not blessed with overmuch 
patience, “Get up, you !” said he, “what good are 
you if you won’t pull a sleigh ? And then he left 
me for a moment and went away, returning in a 
moment with a swish. “Now then, get up!” he 
commanded, lashing me with the switch. Seeing 
he was determined to make me go, I got up and 
started off. The collar pulled at my shoulders 
causing me to rear up. 

“Hullo! bucking, are you?” said Joe, “we will 
soon see about that; come, now get along,” and 
I made another start which resulted in my being 
pulled in all directions, while Joe laughed heart- 
ily. I began to feel that a straight pull was best, 
so I thought I would run and get the task 
over, so off I went at a good pace, and Joe had 
great difficulty in keeping up with me. 

“Steady there,” shouted he, and when I went 
a bit easier he sat down on the sleigh, making 
pulling very hard. 

We then turned to go back home and Joe ran 
by my side. I now enjoyed the fun and ran 
fast, so fast that Joe panted for breath and 
shouted the best he could : “Whoa, whoa, To-go.” 
At last he could hold on no longer, so he let go. 

46 


TOGO 


the reins and I raced up the path and did not 
stop until I reached the porch. 

In a few minutes Joe came walking up pant- 
ing for breath and sat down to recover. After a 
good rest, seeing I came through the first trial 
so well, Joe patted me, and was quite pleased. 

He then resolved to try me again, and sat on 
the sleigh shouting and yelling at me as though 
I was a broncho. 

I tried to enter into the fun of it and found it 
an easy task until Joe sat on the sleigh, but I 
repeat : I was never intended for a draught horse. 

There were quite a number of coyotes around 
during that winter; they were bold enough to 
come close into town. 

One morning just after daylight had dawned 
there came out of the ravine nearby one of those 
very animals. Just think of the effrontery of the 
fellow, coming within twenty yards of the house. 
Perhaps he, too, liked chickens, and thought there 
might be some around the barn. 

Here was a chance I had often longed to have, 
that of coming to close grips with a coyote. 

Out I dashed at top speed, and caught up to 
him just as he reached the bottom of the garden. 
This happened in less time than it takes to tell it, 
and in an instant I had the coyote by the neck, 
shaking him as though he was a gopher. 

Of course he was bigger than I, but I thought 
little of that. Oh, how rejoiced I was at this 
opportunity of meeting an enemy. 

As soon as we came to grips my master came 

47 


TOGO 


to the door and gave great encouragement by 
saying : 

“Good Togo, sic him, old boy!” We rolled 
over and over, first I would be underneath and 
then the coyote, but alas ! alas ! after a few grips, 
the fellow got loose and took to his heels running 
for his dear life across the field. I pursued him 
for about a quarter of a mile, but knew from the 
first that it was no use. There is one thing a 
coyote can do to perfection, he can run. 

I had not the slightest chance of catching up 
to him so my master called me back. 

I was angry at him getting away from me, but 
I had some cause for rejoicing for I came to 
positive grips with him and would not be afraid 
to do so again. 

Ere I close this chapter I have another confes- 
sion to make. When spring came on again my 
master bought another cow, “Brownie,” by name, 
and strange to say she had a black calf. Alice and 
Joe, yes, and even my mistress, made such a fuss 
of that black awkward looking animal that it 
made me sick with jealousy. What there was in 
such an ungainly stupid creature to claim their 
affection I could not think, for it was always baa- 
ing around so foolishly, and then it would sud- 
denly run and kick up its legs in a disgraceful 
manner, grunting something like a hog. If the 
thing had only a decent bark it would not have 
been so bad, but that baa and grunt used to get 
on my nerves awful. 

Joe and Alice thought these noises and antics 
48 


TOGO 


were great fun, and would laugh and run after it 
as though a calf was everything, and poor me, — 
well, I was almost forgotten. 

Can you blame me for being jealous? When I 
ran after the black creature trying to scare it 
away, I got scolded and whipped for my pains. 

It became clear to me that they thought a great 
deal more of the calf than they did of me, for 
when they returned from school they would run 
past me and go straight for that calf, and in this 
way they snubbed me entirely. 

This apparent change in their affection grieved 
me sorely, and when they were away at school I 
would get annoyed and could not help but chase 
that black thing which had supplanted me in their 
affection. 

One day, after thinking seriously of these 
things, I called to mind the many boys and girls 
away in the town who used to be pleased to play 
with me, and I knew they thought a great deal 
of me, besides, they had no calf. 

Then, suddenly the determination seized me to 
set out and find those playmates, thinking maybe 
they will be glad to play with me. 

That thought soon led to action, and off I 
went helter skelter, and never stopped until I 
had reached the town. 

Not long after I arrived in town the children 
left school, and I went and played with them. 

“Why, here is Togo,” said one of them. 
“Togo, Togo, Togo!” others called also, and soon 
I was well taken care of and played with them 

49 


TOGO 


to my heart’s content, and presently one of them 
took me home. 

I did not have entire liberty, however, in my 
new home, for they put a rope around my neck 
so that I could not escape. 

But when the children left school again I was 
released, and no one could be more delighted than 
I was to play and frolic with them. 

That same evening when the father of my new 
friends came home he brought a fine new dog col- 
lar with him with a chain attached, and this he 
put on my neck. The children were delighted 
with this, and it became evident they did not 
want to lose me. They chained me up every 
night and I guarded the back entrance to the 
house. 

My master has occasionally referred to this 
escapade of mine by saying: “You bad old Togo. 
You were very ready to leave your best friends 
as soon as you were snubbed just a little.” And 
when he said this, I held my head down, for I 
felt the truth of that remark. 

But really, I was now being well cared for in 
every respect. I was petted and played with to 
my heart’s content, and was not tormented by see- 
ing a silly baa-ing calf around taking the atten- 
tion of the children from me. 

Seeing we had such happy times together, I did 
not worry much about my old home. 

After I had been several weeks in town, who 
should meet me one day but my master? Yes it 
was really he coming up the street. I could 
50 


TOGO 


tell it was him a long way off, and I ran to meet 
him, and to show I had no personal grudge 
against him I jumped up to him and showed my 
delight at meeting him. He seemed delighted 
also to meet me and said: “Well, you great old 
Togo, you funny old boy. You have not for- 
gotten me, then ?” I barked with delight at hear- 
ing his voice. 

Just then the little girl with whom I was 
then living caught up to me, and I ran off with 
her. My old master did not seem to mind, he 
did not even call after me as I went away. 

I saw both master and mistress in town after 
that, and I was not slow in showing them that 
I had not forgotten them. 

Yet, will you believe me? In spite of all the 
good treatment and fondling which I was receiv- 
ing in my town home, I began to feel dissatisfied 
with myself, and several times I almost decided to 
return to my old master and try to utterly ignore 
the presence of the silly black calf. 

This feeling, somehow, gradually grew upon 
me. I became unhappy for several days, indeed 
I soon became so unutterably miserable that at 
last I decided at the most favorable opportunity 
to return to my old home, calf or no calf, and see 
if they would receive me. If they would not, 
w r ell, I would then seek my new friends again. 

So it happened that one day I was left alone 
and unchained, to entertain myself as I chose; 
and seeing there was no one around to hinder 
me I decided at once to return. 

5i 


TOGO 


Having once decided on that course I soon put 
it into effect and scampered down town, scarcely 
ever looking around for fear of meeting with 
someone who knew me, and on into the bush I 
went and then into the open country. 

Oh, how fresh and good the country seemed to 
me. I felt light-hearted, and very glad that I had 
made the resolution. 

It was not long ere I came in sight of the 
house, but I found it needed quite a lot of cour- 
age for me to face them all again. Suppose they 
drove me away as I deserved? Oh, that was 
awful to contemplate. I felt I had but little claim 
to their consideration, for did I not forsake them 
of my own accord? Indeed, I felt verily guilty. 
I do not know when I ever felt so bad before. 

I walked slowly up to the house with my tail 
between my legs, and when I reached it I laid 
for awhile in the sun, thinking that I would wait 
until someone saw me, and I would then know 
whether I was welcome or not. Oh, I felt so 
humiliated ! 

I must have waited there a long time, for T fell 
asleep, and when I awoke I felt quite a bit bolder, 
and slowly but firmly I walked around to the back 
door. 

After waiting there a little while my master 
came out. “Well!” said he, “of all the dogs in 
this world you are one.” 

There was kindness in his words as of yore, 
and greatly encouraged, I jumped up to him 
and barked with great joy. 

52 


TOGO 


“Well, well,” repeated he. “Like the prodigal 
son you left your home, and made your way into 
a far country, and then when tired of your wan- 
derings, like the prodigal son, you decided to arise 
and go to your master, is that it ?” 

“You certainly are a strange dog. Been away 
four months, and now expect a welcome back.” 

“Well, old boy,” he continued, “I cannot feel 
it in my heart to turn you away, so like the re- 
turning prodigal you must be received.” 

I whined then, and wagging my tail, I tried to 
be as humble as possible; breaking out occa- 
sionally into a bark; indeed, doing my best to 
patch things up favorably. 

How good it was of him; he was not at all 
sorry to see me, on the contrary, there was glad- 
ness in his voice, and he called me into the 
house and fed me. 

“Here, mother,” said he to my mistress who 
now appeared in the kitchen, “look here, the 
prodigal has returned, what shall we do with 
him ?” 

“Oh, let him stay,” replied she, graciously. 

“Well, you can stay then,” said he to me. “If 
you can only be content to stay with us.” 

When Alice and Joe returned from school, he 
said to them, “See here, the prodigal has re- 
turned.” 

“Oh, you poor, dear, good little Togo!” ex- 
claimed Alice. “Was he tired of being away 
from home, then? Poor little doggie.” 

S3 


TOGO 


And practical Joe said, “Oh, goody. Now we 
can have some fun.” 

Whatever he had in his mind, I cannot say, 
but I soon became happier than I had ever been 
before in my life, for I was welcome home, and 
on looking around I found that the black calf had 
grown quite big, and was scarcely ever seen 
around the house at all. 

Alice and Joe received me into their affections 
as though I had never wandered. 

It is a weakness on my part, I admit, to desire 
to be made much of, but surely such weakness is 
pardonable. 

I have always loved young people, and I love 
them still ; I am happy when they make a fuss of 
me. 

What if they are sometimes rough with me? 
I can bear with that for the sake of their friend- 
ship. 


54 


CHAPTER VII. 


Here was I once again restored to my old 
place in the affections and home of my first 
friends. It did not take me very long to become 
my old self again either. 

Joe also manifested his old self again and be- 
gan to flick me about and indulge in his rough 
play, and to show that he meant no harm he 
would say: “Good boy, Togo, good boy,” and 
of course I became very proud of that. I was 
soon made so happy that I almost entirely forgot 
my wanderings. 

I did not readily forget the cross old farmer 
who shot me, though, for seeing he often passed 
our place, it was impossible for me to forget him 
and I did not forget to bark at him, either. 

My master, however, was not very pleased 
with me for this: “You unforgiving rascal,” he 
said, “come inside and let us hear less of that 
barking.” And at other times he would throw 
a stick at me and tell me to “lie down.” 

But it was not easy for me to forget or forgive, 
although I ceased barking at him. Once or twice 
I broke loose and barked after that, and my mas- 
ter reproved me, making me walk away ashamed. 

Do you question whether a dog can be 
ashamed? Just you notice your favorite dog 
after you have given him a stern rebuke; notice 
the look of shame upon his face, and the way in 

55 


TOG O 


which he will slink into his kennel, as though he 
wished he had not spoken. Oh, I assure you, 
dogs are not so void of feeling as some people 
think. 

My master still owned the cow “Whitey,” and 
sometimes he went across the field to fetch her 
in to be milked. I soon discovered the purpose 
for which he crossed the field, and followed him 
closely. 

A little later, he, to save himself many steps, 
would say, “Here, Togo, go and fetch ‘Whitey/ ” 
and of course I knew he wanted me to run 
ahead and turn the cow toward him. Then an- 
other time he would say: “Come here, Togo,” 
and at first I was not sure what he meant, but I 
soon caught on, and after that I quite understood 
what he meant. 

Sometimes I was slow in doing what he told 
me, especially if I did not want to do it, and he 
would soon show his disapproval of my hesita- 
tion by saying, “Do as I bid you, sir !” And thus 
I learnt what he called “my greatest and most im- 
portant lesson, that of obedience.” ? Tis true, I 
learnt some of those lessons when in the country, 
but for lack of practice I had forgotten them. I 
soon picked them up again, however, and when 
he said, “Get behind me, Togo,” I quite under- 
stood, and readily obeyed. 

I had a fairly good memory in those days, es- 
pecially for things I wanted to remember. 

Joe used to be highly amused because I remem- 
bered the word “coyote.” To be sure I could 

56 


TOGO 


not forget that he meant the creature with the sly 
face, which could run so well, and Joe would 
often have me running around the place looking 
and smelling about in response to his “c-o-yote, 
Togo.” 

There were lessons also that I had to learn in 
the house. I suppose they thought that seeing I 
was a full grown dog it was necessary for me 
to learn these things. 

For instance, Alice would say, “Kiss me, 
Togo,” and I had to give her just one lick on the 
face. 

I have known some dogs who were never al- 
lowed in the house at all, but I was often allowed 
inside, but feeling bold I would sometimes walk 
into the inner room, and my mistress would say, 
“Go into the kitchen.” I knew what that meant, 
but it was one of the things I did not particularly 
want to do, so I would hesitate. But when she 
followed the first command with, “Go into the 
kitchen, sir!” in a stern tone, I knew she meant 
me to obey at once, or suffer the consequences. 

There was a mat by the door which I dearly 
loved to lie upon, and I would generally try and 
stay on that. It was very wilful and naughty, I 
know, but there would follow another command 
which I knew had to be obeyed, and I would go 
without any further hesitation. 

Can dogs understand, do you ask? Certainly 
they can. Often after dinner was over I would 
be called into the house, and would be allowed 

5 7 


T O G O 


even in the dining-room, but that was a great 
concession. 

My mistress would then sometimes say, “The 
dog wants a bit, Pa,” and I understood that she 
was telling my master that I wanted something 
to eat, and I would go over to him and bark 
gently, “Yah! Yah!” She would then say, “Give 
him a bit, Pa.,” and he would tease me by saying, 
“What does that dog want ?” And to let him un- 
derstand what I wanted I would push his hand 
toward the table, when he would say at last: 
“Speak for it!” and I would bark softly at first. 
“Bark louder,” he would say still dissatisfied with 
my accomplishments, and then I would bark so 
loud that my mistress would say, “Oh, don’t make 
such a noise,” and at last my dinner would be 
given me. 

I only needed a few lessons like that with my 
dinner at the end, and I was able to respond 
readily. 

Most dogs can learn such lessons as this if their 
teachers will only take the necessary pains and 
exercise an ordinary amount of patience. And 
most dogs will learn enough to amply repay 
their teachers for all their pains and trouble. 

Sometimes I would be puzzled to understand 
what was expected of me, for an order would be 
given such as : “Go out, Togo,” and I would pro- 
ceed to walk slowly out when Joe or Alice would! 
say: “Now, now, poor doggie, don’t send him 
out,” in such a tone that I thought they were in- 

58 


TOGO 


terceding for me, and I would hesitate, and, sure 
enough, I would be allowed to remain. 

Then, at other times the same thing would hap- 
pen again, and I would hesitate as before, and 
my mistress would then say: “Will you children 
please let the dog alone, when I tell him to do a 
certain thing/’ and then she would turn to me 
with a determined air, saying : “Go out, sir this 
very moment !” and I knew I then had to obey. 

There is no doubt if a dog is only properly 
trained and has not too many masters, he will 
give much pleasure to his trainer. 

But when he receives orders which are confus- 
ing he can hardly be expected to give great satis- 
faction. 

And thus it is that we often are blamed and 
even whipped without deserving either. 

I must in justice speak a word for my master 
and mistress ; they would generally reprove Alice 
and Joe by saying : 

“Please let the dog alone. How is he to know 
what to do if, when I tell him to go out, you chil- 
dren laugh at him and make him think that I did 
not mean it, and that it will be safe to disobey ?” 

Boys make a great mistake if they think that 
all dogs are unfaithful. 

One day a big boy said to Joe: “Here, kid, 
would your dog come for me if I were to hit 
you ?” 

“You just try it and see,” replied Joe. 

The big boy did “try it,” by catching hold of 
Joe and shaking him. I tried to make him under- 

59 


TOGO 


stand that his actions were not to my liking by 
barking at him, but this was not sufficient for he 
continued with greater vigor. 

I then jumped at him and gave him a gentle 
bite on the arm to assure him that he was going 
too far, and it sufficed. 

No, it did not hurt him much. I felt safe in 
doing this, for I was scarcely ever scolded for 
taking Joe’s part in that way. 

My master himself often tried my faith- 
fulness by f eigning to whip my mistress ; it mat- 
tered not, however. I did the same to him, and 
he would say : “Gently, Togo, gently old boy.” 

A dog is not worth a bone if he cannot stand 
up for those who care for him, or if he cannot 
protect women and children. 

Perhaps you would like to know if I was a 
good watch dog in those days. 

Well, perhaps I have blown my own trumpet 
enough already, but I must tell you that, though 
there were many better watch dogs than I, yet I 
often, nay always, took a great interest in what 
I felt to be my duty, and I always considered it 
my duty to give the alarm whenever any one ap- 
proached the house, and I observe that duty care- 
fully to this very day. 

A good watch dog will always give an alarm 
when a stranger approaches the house, but will 
not jump up to them, or bite them, or even show 
his teeth except under very great provocation. 

I do not remember ever attacking any one, but 
perhaps it was because people have generally kept 
60 


TOGO 


a fair distance from me, and were willing to wait 
until the door was opened ere they passed over 
the doorstep. 

And there again was a difficulty which was 
hard to understand. How was I to know when 
to ward off a stranger? Sometimes a stranger 
would come to enquire for my master, and I 
was not required to keep him away at all. And 
another time a stranger would call who had no 
particular business around. I just settled it this 
way : I barked a warning always, and then stood 
on guard to see if they had any right there, and 
that plan succeeded well. 

The presence of strangers around always made 
me feel nervous, and it does to this very day, for 
who knows what mischief they contemplate? 

Do you think I would allow any one to hurt 
my friends in the house? Not while I have a 
good voice and strong teeth. 


61 


CHAPTER VIII. 


You who have always lived in one house, or 
at least in one town, and have become acquainted 
with every part of it until the whole has become 
almost sacred to you will sympathize with me 
when I record the fact that 1 was once again 
called upon to leave that pleasant home close by 
the running stream, the beautiful glade, and the 
spacious green field where the air was so pure 
and invigorating. Only this time I did not leave 
of my own accord. 

But I could not complain. The many changes 
brought many new pleasures, which otherwise I 
should never have had. 

My master went into town one day and re- 
turned with a horse and saddle, and the next day 
he started on a journey. 

Of course I noticed the horse around, but I did 
not know for what purpose. 

It appeared as though he was about to start on 
his journey without me, so I bounded after him. 
This caused him to return to the house for the 
purpose of conferring with my mistress. 

He soon started again, and this time he called 
upon me to follow him. 

I did not need to be called twice, for congenial 
though the surroundings of this home were, I 
had become firmly attached to my master, and 
loved to follow him wherever he went. 

62 


TOGO 


We crossed the beautiful grassy field south of 
the house and then followed the road which led 
in a southeasterly direction. We were evidently 
going on a long journey. 

Oh, this was fine fun for me ; there were birds 
to chase, rabbits and gophers, so that on the 
whole, I had plenty of adventure. 

As dinner time came we fortunately drew near 
to a homestead and enjoyed good hospitality. I 
caught a short nap of sleep, though I had ever to 
keep watch, for we were in a strange country, 
and I did not want to lose my master. 

After having a hasty dinner, I was ready, and 
we started on the road again. 

The sun was shining brightly and we set out in 
good spirits traveling through a dense wood. 
Once we took a wrong turning, and my master 
had to consult his map. We turned and re- 
traced our steps for about half a mile, and then 
got upon the beaten trail. 

Soon we drew out of the wooded country and 
came upon the shores of a beautiful lake. 

Here was a chance for a dip which I had not 
had for a long time. I bounced into the water in 
high glee and enjoyed it. “Come along, Togo,” 
said my master, “we must not stay here. So off 
we went again, and the trail soon led us off the 
lake shore and on over a hill upon which grew a 
great variety of lovely flowers. There was also 
an abundance of the succulent pea vine and vetch. 

“I think we will rest here awhile and let ‘Dick/ 
which was the horse's name, “have a feed." 

63 


TOGO 


So he took off the horse’s bridle and let him 
wade right into the plentiful vegetation and he 
fed to his heart’s content 

The meal ended, off again we started, and 
made our way down the hill past a bachelor’s 
shack, and at the bottom of the hill we came to a 
serious difficulty. It perhaps is not my place to 
criticize a horse, but as we came to the creek or 
stream which passed through the valley, the horse 
became as stubborn as a mule, and. refused to 
cross it. He would just put his front feet into the 
water but that was all. 

I jumped into the water and swam across just 
to show him if it was safe for a little dog like me, 
it should be for a big broncho, but no, he did not 
like the look of that water, so I jumped back 
again and barked to try and scare the stubborn 
creature over. 

But he was not so easily scared that way, in- 
deed he protested by kicking at me. 

My master went and sought up and down 
stream for an easier crossing, but in vain. 

After quite a long while and a lot of trouble, 
he at last plunged in and crossed as easy as one 
could wish. 

Much valuable time was lost thus, and soon 
darkness began to come down and we had a long 
way to travel yet. 

Presently, we drove up to a log house and my 
master inquired the way and asked if they could 
lodge us for the night as we were tired. 

They either could not or would not take us 

64 


TOGO 


in. I think it was the latter, but they told my 
master the way to take, so my master mounted 
the horse for the purpose of continuing our 
journey. The horse, however, objected to this 
forced march. Balky again, aye, Dick,” said my 
patient master. But the horse was tired I could 
tell, for had he not carried my master all this 
long way uncomplainingly, but of course I had 
no load to carry. 

“Come now, Dick,” said my master, getting 
impatient, “we cannot stand around all night like 
this, get along,” and he tried what a stick would 
do, while I barked and tried thus to move him. 

The horse started, but alas! he only walked 
around the barn and would not take the road. 
Quite an hour was wasted in this way, but my 
master was determined to go on, and at last the 
stubborn brute consented to being led out into 
the road, but every time my master mounted him 
he stood dead still. 

“Well,” said my master, “I suppose you are 
tired, so am I, and so is Togo,” to which allu- 
sion I consented. I was indeed tired, for had 
I not been chasing gophers and rabbits, and oc- 
casionally a phantom coyote ? But, though I say 
it, I did not grumble, neither did I refuse to 
proceed. But oh, our legs were getting so weary, 
and our master was as tired as either of us, I am 
sure, and with weary limbs we trudged on slowly 
for several miles until we came to another farm. 

“Well, Togo, we will see if we can put up 
here,” said my master. And he walked up the 
65 


TOGO 


garden to the house which was in darkness, and 
knocked at the door. 

“Hullo, what’s want?” questioned a voice from 
the inner darkness. 

“Can you put my horse and I up for the 
night?” asked my master anxiously. 

“No, this ain’t a lodgin’ house,” replied the 
voice from within. 

We have traveled a long way and are tired 
out ” 

“Keep goin’ on, there’s a town six miles from 
here where you can put up,” replied the man in- 
side. 

“All right, thanks,” said my master wearily, 
and we made our way back through the darkness 
to where the horse was tied. 

“Togo, boy!” said my master as we once again 
started on the road, “one does not often get re- 
fused hospitality in this country. Just fancy, 
twice in one night.” Then, after a moment’s 
pause as we trudged along he said : 

“Ah, well, Togo, we will get through,” and 
tired as I was I replied by a gentle bark, and did 
my best to keep up my spirits. 

So we pressed on, the tiredest and most down- 
cast trio you ever saw, having traveled nearly 
sixty miles. 

My master continued walking so as to relieve 
the horse. The night was dark indeed, but a few 
stars peeped out at us as though to sympathize, 
but we heeded them not. 

And thus we journeyed on until presently we 

66 


TOGO 


saw in the distance a bright light, and after fur- 
ther tramping we came to a new graded railroad, 
the rails not yet being placed. 

We had to climb that grade somehow, but the 
bank was steep and the horse objected once 
again. 

I could see that my master grudged the time 
that was wasted in persuading the tired, stub- 
born horse to mount that bank. 

When at last he succeeded, we found we were 
within only a short distance from the town. 

“Trefield” was only a small town, but we did 
not quibble at that. 

The horse was put into the barn and a tired 
dog was left with him. 

I was not at all sorry to have the opportunity 
of losing my weariness in sleep. 


67 


CHAPTER IX. 


It must have been just after daybreak when 
the stableman came into the barn and was about 
to meddle with my master’s horse, but I was on 
guard ; he soon left us, grumbling to himself. 

My master came a little later and brought my 
breakfast, and I declare food never tasted better 
than it did that morning. 

“Togo, my boy,” said he, “why did you stop 
the man from giving Dick his breakfast?” And 
then he let the man wait on the horse. 

So I had made a mistake in keeping the man 
away from the horse. 

It was about eight o’clock when we again 
started on our journey, and master said: 

“Togo, boy, it is Saturday, and we must put in 
another good day on the road, for I have to 
preach at St. Ann’s schoolhouse tomorrow 
morning at eleven o’clock.” 

W e started off at a good pace until the broncho 
came to the last barn in the village and then the 
horse wanted to enter it. Of course I barked at 
him for this, and my master said : 

“Come now, old boy, this kind of thing will 
never get us to our journey’s end.” 

After some further exhibitions of his stubborn 
qualities the horse was prevailed upon to take the 
road in good earnest. We were all really re- 
68 


TOGO 


freshed with our night’s rest, and made good 
progress. 

Traveling was quite difficult in places for the 
horse with his burden, but happily I was fleet of 
foot and was able to explore the road as we went. 

We traveled for some miles on a newly made 
grade and presently steered for a newly made 
town of mushroom growth where the horse was 
stabled and my master and I had some dinner in 
a restaurant. After dinner we started again and 
pursued our course over hill and dale, through 
swamp and slough and by fields which were laden 
with growing grain. As the afternoon wore 
away we trudged along with fast wearying legs, 
sometimes on the grade and then down on the 
road again until we arrived at a bridge which we 
crossed and then entered another “mushroom” 
town built of shacks. 

There were livery barns, restaurants, lodging 
houses and a few stores. The whole appeared as 
though it had only recently been dumped upon 
the prairie. My master was tired and this fact 
no doubt helped him to decide. “We cannot go 
any further to-night, Togo,” said he. “We will 
stay here and rest, and then set out in the morn- 
ing for our last lap.” 

So I was put in the stable again with the horse 
and was not sorry, for, in spite of his frequent 
exhibitions of stubbornness we had become fast 
friends. We were cared for early in the morn- 
ing, which was Sunday, and then we started off 
across the prairie with the glorious eastern sun 
69 


TOGO 


to guide us. Oh, that was a beautiful morning, 
and though we were a little jaded through our 
two days’ long run we fairly reveled in the fresh 
morning air, and enjoyed immensely the cheery 
rays of the sun. 

After about three hours’ brisk running we drew 
up to a farm and my master was well pleased. 
“Fine Togo, fine Dick, old boy,” said he, address- 
ing both of us. “We have lots of time.” 

He had to preach at the schoolhouse close by 
which was named, “St. Ann’s,” and he had about 
half an hour to spare. 

After dinner, we took to the road again. It 
seemed as though our journey would never cease. 
We did not hurry at all that afternoon, however, 
and many a time I was able to run ahead and then 
sit down and wait for them to catch me up. 

We passed a few scattered farms, fields and 
lakes, through a pretty country that must have 
been an ideal grazing ground for buffalo not so 
many years ago. 

After skirting a lovely large lake whose wa- 
ters sparkled in the sunlight, we presently made 
our way down a hill and came into Freetown. 

“Well, Togo,” said our master after first ad- 
dressing the horse in familiar tones. “You, too, 
are a hero, for we have traveled over a hundred 
miles and you have not complained, neither are 
you tired out.” I barked an appreciation of his 
kind words. 

“This is your home,” continued he, “you will 
70 


TOGO 


find many friends here, so please make yourself 
happy and sociable.” 

You have no idea how anxious a dog feels on 
arriving at a new home. 

He has to become acquainted with all the dogs 
of the place and find out which are to be his 
friends or his foes. 

And this process always means fights in- 
numerable. This process always troubled me 
more because my master was always against me 
fighting, and he did not appear to observe that 
they were not always of my own seeking. 

I was not often “licked” in those days, aye, I 
could just glory in a good scrap. 

I look back upon my stay in “Freetown” with 
great pleasure; it was a happy place for me in 
many respects. 

Seeing I was always fond of children as play- 
mates, the girls and boys soon sought me out and 
I found many friends among them. 

It was several weeks before Alice and Joe came 
on to this place. 

On Sundays my master preached in several 
schoolhouses around, and from the first I was al- 
lowed to accompany him. 

On arriving at the school houses not caring to 
be left outside I was allowed to go in with him, 
and I always took my position under the table or 
desk at my master’s feet. 

Oh, yes, I quite understood I was expected to 
keep quiet, so I would lay quietly and listen to my 
master’s voice until I fell asleep. 

7 * 


TOGO 


After a few services, I began to learn when to 
expect them to close, a hymn would be sung, after 
which my master would speak and then say, 
“Amen !” when the people would rise and myself 
among them. 

There was a little black water spaniel whom 
I became very friendly with at this place. He had 
such a nice, smooth, long, glossy coat, and pretty 
shaped short legs and long ears. 

His name was Jip. 

Jip became so attached to me that I had great 
difficulty in getting away from him on Sundays. 
One Sunday in the depth of winter, the snow was 
deep and was laying around in drifts which made 
driving and traveling very difficult. 

The temperature, too, was very low; it must 
have been very near thirty degrees below zero. 

Nevertheless, my master set out on his usual 
journey and I accompanied him. On our way 
through the town we passed the store where Jip 
lived. The young rascal must have been watch- 
ing for us, for, just as we passed out he bounced, 
barking with glee at having discovered us passing 
thus. 

My master was a bit alarmed and said: “Go 
back, Jip, go back, you can’t come with us.” 

But he paid no heed. Then master said, “Chase 
him back, Togo,” and I ran after him and tried 
to pull him out of the road, but he would not be 
turned back. I even rolled him over in the snow 
and then ran after my master, but he was deter- 
mined, and followed us a distance behind. 

72 


TOGO 


My master whipped the horse and put on a 
good speed hoping to outrun little Jip, but on he 
came, his little legs moving, oh, so quick, and he 
was keeping up a lively bark all the time. 

Seeing he was so determined to come with us 
my master slowed down and allowed him to catch 
us up, indeed, he even offered to take the little fel- 
low inside the cutter, but no, he would remain 
outside, and so he steadfastly determined to keep 
me company. Mile after mile we traveled through 
the deep snow and the wind was so icy that it 
seemed to cut through the fur of my coat. 

Master tried again to persuade Jip to ride, but 
no, he jumped out again and presently he was 
just covered with the snow which flew like spray 
over our heads. He certainly was plucky, it is 
astonishing how he kept up with us. 

When at last we arrived at the schoolhouse 
the little fellow was almost exhausted. 

I confess that I was very tired also. 

We were allowed a place by the warm stove 
and in a few minutes were fast asleep. 

Was I dreaming? I imagined I heard the fa- 
miliar word Amen! and I rose to my feet half 
awake, and was ready to go. Little Jip observing 
my movement rose also as though ready. 

“Lie down, Togo, lie down,” said my master, 
and I perceived my mistake. 

Jip did not hesitate to follow me, either, and 
he, too, laid down. Our return journey was 
still more trying to poor Jip, but he trudged along 
like a hero. 


73 


TOGO 


Again he refused to ride in the cutter, and by 
the time we arrived home he was utterly exhaust- 
ed. 

Little dogs, like little boys and girls, sometimes 
purchase their wisdom dearly. 

Jip was so stiff and sore and tired that he laid 
and slept almost the whole of the next day. 

He learned his lesson, however, for he never 
ventured to accompany us again. 

“You see, Togo, what disobedience brings upon 
one,” said my master when referring to Jip’s es- 
capade. 


74 


CHAPTER X. 


By this time I had become my master’s most 
constant companion, and would accompany him 
on all his journeys. 

I could generally understand, too, when he was 
preparing to take a trip somewhere, for I would 
sit and watch his movements. 

’Tis true sometimes when I was preoccupied 
he would slip off without me; I would then run 
out a distance along the several roads that led 
out of town, and several times I saw him away 
in the distance, and ran after him and caught up 
with him. 

This kind of thing made me what they called 
“Foxy” and I would watch him closer than ever. 
My mistress said one day : “I verily believe that 
Togo knows when Sunday comes round for he 
sits and watches every move of the horse.” 

Then my master replied : “Well, he is a faithful 
companion and gives very little trouble. I know 
he yawns a little sometimes in the midst of an 
afternoon’s sermon, but he is not the only one 
who yawns on such an occasion.” 

Once or twice I became a bit restless while my 
master was talking, wondering when he was go- 
ing to stop, and I began to walk around the 
room for exercise, when my master said : “Come 
back, Togo. Lie down,” and I returned to the 
desk and laid down. 


75 


TOGO 


Freetown was only a small town, and the free- 
dom of the inhabitants, whether man or beast, 
was not hampered by foolish little arbitrary by- 
laws such as bother some towns. Consequently, 
animals of all kinds roamed about the streets and 
lanes according to their own sweet will. 

Pigs, hogs of all ages, enjoyed their liberty as 
much as any, and seemed to prefer the few 
fenced gardens to the open prairie. 

It was not long ere the people of Freetown 
learned that I was an adept at moving hogs, and 
then I was kept just busy. 

Certainly, I think there was nothing that 
pleased me better. As soon as daylight dawned, 
which came earlier as summer approached, the 
cry would be heard, breaking the stillness of the 
morning: “Togo, Togo, To-go,” and you would 
see me scuttling across the backyards as my mas- 
ter said, “Like a shot out of a gun.” 

And then, directly after, you would hear music 
something like “Weak, weak, weak,” in shrill 
tones, and this was followed by a quick move- 
ment of feet and sundry sonorus grunts. 

I discovered just the right place to catch them 
by and they very rarely had the temerity to turn 
round at me. 

Did I hurt them? Well, to judge by their 
squealing I did; but I do not think they were 
much hurt, or they would not have returned so 
often. 

Frequently I had calls from the other end of 
the town: “Here, To-go,” and the neighbors 

76 


TOGO 


would laugh as they saw me answering the call 
“post haste.” 

On returning from the chase, I was usually 
treated with a bone or a tasty piece of meat, and 
that little consideration would encourage me 
greatly to do my best, to keep those squeaky pigs 
out of the gardens. 

There was a neighbor at Freetown who owned 
a fierce bull dog, and he went by the humble 
name Ted. Ted was kept at the post office, and 
though he very rarely hurt anyone he had a look 
on his face always that made one feel he was 
watching his chance all the time. He had also 
cultivated an awful threatening growl which 
made dogs, myself included, keep a respectable 
distance from him. 

’Tis true there were other dogs around much 
more dangerous than Ted, but Ted had the credit 
of all the bad deeds done around by dogs. 

I find it is best to cultivate a cheerful look, for 
often a dog is judged by his looks. Take the 
case of Ted. He always looked as though he was 
fierce enough to go through you, yet he never in- 
terfered with anybody. 

Very different was the case of another dog. 
I don’t know his name, but he was a cross-eyed 
mongrel looking kind of a black dog. 

He had a simple, sly look upon his face which 
sort of disarmed one. Often when another dog 
would be passing his place he would spring out 
upon it, and show himself as mean as a dog 
could possibly be. 


77 


TOGO 


I always tried to give that animal plenty of sea 
room, as the sailors say. 

My old enemies, the coyotes, were troublesome 
at this place, and many a night was I kept awake 
by their visits within the town limits. 

A neighbor kept several huge boar hounds and 
spent his Sunday mornings in running the coyotes 
down by the aid of his dogs. 

It is true he might have chosen a different day 
than Sunday for such work, but it seems some 
men are awfully afraid that they are losing valu- 
able time in resting one day in the week. 

One Sunday while returning with my master 
from his afternoon appointment, we passed quite 
near a coyote which was sitting in the bush. Of 
course I instantly made chase, but could not get 
near it. As soon as I turned to follow my mas- 
ter, Mr. Coyote turned and followed me. Soon 
he came quite close up to us. “Sic him, Togo,” 
said my master, and at that magic word I gave 
chase. 

Bah! I became sick of following those cow- 
ardly creatures. All they can do is — look sly and 
run. I would rather fight and be beaten than run 
away. He kept ahead of me all the time look- 
ing around occasionally as though saying, “Come 
along, Togo, my boy, I will teach you how to 
run.” 

I returned to my master, who ordered me then 
to stay with him. 

I had some most enjoyable journeys with my 
master at this place. 

78 


TOGO 


I was so much his companion that he would 
talk to me almost as freely as he did to the horse. 

The horse became knowing enough as to prick 
up his ears when spoken to, while I would bark. 

This was a great country for those mis- 
chievous little rodents, the gophers. 

They made such holes along the trail, that the 
horse would often stumble as he ran along, and 
they destroyed so much grain that farmers had to 
lay poison around to kill them off. They are re- 
markably sharp little creatures, and rather pretty, 
too, but a thing is not always useful because it 
possesses good looks. 

“Looks are deceiving/’ said my master one 
day, and I believe he was right. 

I was a very good pathfinder in those days, and 
sometimes when my master was undecided as to 
whether he was on the right trail or not he would 
follow my lead and it was correct. 

Indeed, he has said : “Togo, old boy, had you 
not been with me I should have taken the wrong 
trail home.” 

One Sunday morning we went a distance of 
seventeen miles to a new appointment named 
Birch Hills. We had been there about twice be- 
fore; but on this occasion there was another dog 
at the farm where we went to dinner, and seeing 
he was of a friendly disposition, I became at once 
on good terms with him. 

While my master was at dinner, we went over 
the fields for a ramble, and lo ! when we returned 
my master had gone. 


79 


TOGO 


I could not see him along the road and my new 
found friend invited me to stay until next day, 
which I did. 

We had a pleasant time together, and in the 
morning I started home early. 

Just about sunrise I bade goodbye to my friend 
and set out on the trail in good spirits. 

I had seventeen miles before me to cover, and 
I cannot say that I was altogether sure of the 
trail. Oh, how good it was to feel that I could 
have a good, swift run in the keen morning air. I 
just exulted in it. The flowers were just begin- 
ning to open, and hold up their heads to the early 
morning sun, while the dew sparkled upon their 
petals like diamonds. 

Over hill and dale I bounded, now and again 
starting a rabbit out of his den in the bush ; then 
on I sped across the prairie, startling the prairie 
chickens in the pursuit of their breakfast. 

Then with a bound I leapt over the stream that 
beset the trail, and on second thought I stepped 
back into it and took a welcome morning bath. 
Then on again I went, taking a cautious look 
around when I gained a rise in the road to make 
sure I was going in the right direction. 

How very good it was to feel that I had 
health and strength and good wind. Mile after 
mile passed under my feet swiftly and at last I 
gained the hill to the west of Freetown. And 
then, light of heart I made my last stretch to- 
wards home. 


80 


TOGO 


I arrived there just as my master was giving 
the horse his breakfast. 

“No, he is not a prodigal again,” said he. 
“Well done, old boy,” and he patted me on the 
neck and called me into the house for breakfast. 

Alice and Joe and their mother were very glad 
to see me. Perhaps they thought I had become 
a prodigal again. 

But, no ! Once like that is enough for me. 

I know when I am well off now, and will never 
leave my friends again till death takes me away. 


81 


CHAPTER XI. 


My master declared that the number of miles 
I traveled during that year was fully three thou- 
sand. And that is only counting the number I 
traveled with him, but I must have traveled many 
more than that, as I usually raced around in and 
out of the bush, and to and fro over the prairie, 
so no one can charge me with being a lazy dog. 

But my long journeys were not yet over by 
any means, as I was reminded one day by cer- 
tain signs. 

Even those signs were becoming more familiar. 
Boxes were being packed. Yes, I knew what 
that meant right enough! Inside the house car- 
pets were being taken up, and pictures were be- 
ing taken down and packed. When I entered 
the house I was soon in the way. 

“Mind, out of the way, Togo,” said they, and 
then Joe said, “Here, Togo, you scoot outside.” 

Yes, these were unmistakable signs, and I eyed 
them suspiciously. 

Alice and Joe have not been mentioned of late, 
for they went regularly to school, and played with 
me only occasionally. I did not mind that for 
there were other children in plenty to play with. 

Besides, I was taken up with various other 
businesses, and my Sunday journeys had a sober- 
ing effect upon me. 


82 


TOGO 


Then, I believe there are other things besides 
play that contribute to one’s happiness. 

Then Joe said one morning: “Say, Togo, are 
you coming with Dad and me? We are going 
away from here on a long ride across country 
with horse and buggy, about one hundred and 
sixty miles.” I could not quite understand all he 
meant, but I had an idea that what he said was 
associated with the packing up process, and I 
barked approvingly. 

“All right,” added he, “you shall come.” 

It is quite providential that dogs do not know 
what is ahead of them, or perhaps we, like other 
folks, would be meeting trouble more than half 
way. 

The morning came at last when We were to 
start on our journey. The horse was harnessed 
to the buggy, some provisions and a load of odd 
articles were packed in it, and after bidding good- 
bye to Alice and her mother we proceeded on 
our journey. 

Little Jip, my dog friend, was kept in the house 
lest he should follow us. 

We took the south road until we came to the 
beautiful Birch Lake which we skirted for sev- 
eral miles until we arrived on the south side of 
it, then we left it behind. 

I soon became interested in the journey for it 
was the end of June and all nature was smiling 
her very best upon us. 

I bounded along with light feet enjoying my 
83 


T O Cx O 


freedom; sometimes going ahead, sometimes be- 
hind, and sometimes to the side. 

Ah, sure now, a dog does take a lot of un- 
necessary steps which is not wise when he has a 
long journey before him. 

As that idea dawned upon me I sobered down 
and kept to the trail, determined to conserve my 
energies. 

It was well that I did this, for we traveled 
a long distance that day. 

Over hill and valley, through muddy sloughs 
and across, mile after mile of prairie, with no 
habitation whatever in sight. 

Of course we rested quite a bit and took our 
meal by the roadside, while the horse rested and 
enjoyed his oats with relish. 

When a dog travels a long distance he needs to 
catch a rest and forty winks of a short sleep 
when he can ; and this I did, laying down at fre- 
quent intervals. I found that a few moments oc- 
casionally were helpful, for I could then pull 
through a long day's travel without much incon- 
venience. 

We were afraid we would have to camp out on 
the prairie that first night, for it had been dark 
some time. Joe was tired, and our master had 
just decided to pull aside for that purpose when 
he saw a light in the distance. 

This was the sign of civilization he had been 
looking for, so we traveled toward it, and in 
about a quarter of an hour our jaded footsteps 
took us up to the house. It was a hospitable 
84 


T O GO 


settler who lived in that half way house and no 
one could feel more grateful than we did at the 
hospitality we enjoyed. 

We resumed our journey early next morning 
while the air was cool and refreshing. 

And as we stepped out with right good will, 
I sniffed the cool morning air in positive enjoy- 
ment. As I bounded along first to one side then 
to the other of the horse, I felt so happy that I 
barked cheekily at Joe out of sheer mischief. 

You will not grudge a dog a bit of mischief, 
will you ? Even boys and girls love to enjoy mis- 
chief sometimes, and without proper limits it will 
do them no harm nor anyone else. 

It helps to break the monotony of life. I have 
not blamed boys at all when for fun they have 
rolled me upon my back, put paper bags on my 
head, string on my legs, and rubber rings on my 
nose, although I am quite aware that boys 
have great difficulty in keeping within sober 
limits. 

Some boys are inclined to think that all a dog 
is on the earth for, is just to be teased by them 
or just alone for their amusement, and if a dog 
turns and gives them ever so gentle a nip, they 
will hit out spitefully with a stick, or kick the dog 
in the stomach, and then go whining to their 
parents saying : “That naughty dog bit me,” and 
forget to state that it was their overmuch teasing 
which brought the gentle rebuke. 

I suppose, however, it is not for a dog to com- 
plain; better for us to bark and bear it. Yet even 
85 


TOG O 


then he must not bark too loud, or the boy will 
say, “Shut up, you brute/’ and then the dog has to 
“scoot” to get clear of a kick. No, he must not 
“Bark and bear it,” he must “Grin, look silly, and 
bear it.” 

But I was not occupied with such gloomy 
thoughts as these on that particular morning. 

It was indeed a most glorious day. The sun 
shone beautifully. The birds sang a continuous 
song all day, and the many colored flowers peeped 
up at me and occasionally touched my face scat- 
tering the diamond dewdrops lavishly all over my 
coat, and appeared glad to see me. 

I always have loved flowers. You see I am 
always low down and near to them, and as I ran 
along that morning brushing against them with 
my nose, they gave me such a variety of sweet 
odors that I am sure they must have been glad to 
see me. Who knows? Perhaps they were as 
glad to see me as I was to see them. 

Joe observed my gladness for he said to his 
Pa: “Look at Togo, Pa. Isn’t he happy; he’s 
laughing and smelling at the flowers as though 
they understood.” 

Yes, they are my silent companions, and they 
do me no harm ; they do not tease, they are always 
good. 

Don’t you love flowers ? Perhaps you are too 
high up, too far away from those beautiful things 
as you walk along on your two long legs and hold 
your head and nose so high. 

86 


TOGO 


People who do that miss a whole lot of this 
world’s beauties I am sure. 

I love lying among the flowers, and my mis- 
tress often scolds me and sometimes chastises me 
for laying on her flower beds. 

“There might not be another plot of ground 
anywhere else but just where my flowers are,” 
said she, scolding me. 

Well, to resume. We traveled on over an easy 
road at a good pace that morning, only stopping 
once to feed the horse, while Joe and his father 
lit a fire and had dinner, and afterward did some 
practice with that gun of his. 

I kept a good distance away, for I cannot get 
reconciled to the noise of a gun again. 

Later we had a refreshing shower of rain 
which made it unnecessary for me to jump into 
every little pool we came to for a cooler. 

Then we arrived at the progressive little town 
of Rosedale and the horse was tethered out to 
feed, and I was tied to the buggy and instructed 
to look after him. 

The rain came on heavy and hindered us from 
starting again as early as we intended, but as 
soon as it passed away we were again on the trail 
plodding up a wearisome hill. 

I would much rather be a dog than a horse. 
Dick had a stiff job to climb that hill, but after 
we mounted it we were rewarded by the sight of 
a beautiful country covered with lovely trees with 
foliage which gave it the appearance of a lovely 
park. 


87 


TOGO 


Further on we came to a great ravine, and the 
horse had great difficulty in descending the steep 
declivity, and then after we had crossed the cir- 
cling river in the valley he had just as great a 
difficulty in climbing up the other side. 

I pitied him and helped him all I could, but 
it is not much that a dog can do. 

It was almost dark when we arrived at the 
town which Joe said possessed a jaw breaking 
name and sleep was very welcome. 

Next morning, as usual, we were out early 
and on the road again. 

“Sixty miles yesterday, Togo,” said Joe, “are 
you tired ? That is two days at sixty each which 
is not a bad distance for your short legs to 
travel.” Thanks to Joe for his compliments. I 
was not so fresh as I might be, neither was the 
horse. Besides, the roads were in an awful 
muddy state that morning. 

My master was not unmindful of me, indeed he 
was most considerate, for at times he tried to 
get me to ride with him and Joe in the buggy, but 
I did not want to ride, so I jumped out. 

All the way I kept well ahead of the horse and 
when the road was very bad I looked out the 
best places for him and waited until he had safely 
passed them. 

The roads were awfully muddy in many places 
and poor Dick had all he could do to pull through 
them, with water and mud up to his knees. 

When the roads were good we made excellent 
progress, and after dinner we passed through an 
88 


TOGO 


Indian Reservation and my master went to a 
house to inquire the way. He forbade me to fol- 
low, and lo! at the doorway there was a half 
savage brute which my master had great difficulty 
in keeping from attacking him, indeed, he had to 
get a stick for that purpose. 

How I would like to have taught that creature 
a lesson in manners. 

A dog can guard a house without springing at 
a visitor's legs. 

We got through the reservation in safety in 
spite of there being so many different crossroads. 

Evening soon came on again, and we were all 
getting very tired, for it had been a hard, trying 
day, the hardest of the three. 

“Cheer up, Togo," said my master, “there is an 
end to every journey in this life." And soon we 
entered the town, the horse was stabled, and what 
do you think? As I accompanied Joe and his 
father into the town, we met Alice and her moth- 
er. Yes, it was them, sure enough. My delight 
knew no bounds. I ran and jumped up to them 
in high glee. However did they know that I 
was coming to this place? Surely, my master 
must have told them. 


89 


CHAPTER XII. 


The next morning Joe said to me, “Did you 
have a good night’s rest, Togo?” He needed not 
to ask that question had he noticed how I re- 
joiced as soon as I was let out of the barn. 

It was evident we were not going on a long 
trip for Joe’s mother accompanied my master in 
the buggy and they did not appear to be in a 
hurry at all. 

We travelled through a properly settled coun- 
try away west from the railroad through a dis- 
trict dotted here and there with prosperous look- 
ing farms. 

The day was fine, the roads were good, and the 
myriads of flowers looked up into my face as 
cheerful as though they knew me. No doubt they 
were in their way praising the great God my 
master so often talks about. 

Just after the hour of noon, we ascended a long 
and steep hill. We were rewarded for 'the effort 
when we reached the top, for the view was glori- 
ous. Before us was a huge valley, the “Blind 
Man” valley. It was several miles across to the 
other side, and along the valley ran the uneven 
course of the Blind Man River. 

To the right and left of us the view was beau- 
tiful, and away in front of us across the river and 
on up the western slope of it could be seen the 
peak of Sunrise Hill. 


90 


TOGO 


We went about half way down the eastern slope 
of the hill when we came to seme habitations and 
soon after the horse stopped outside a house by 
the side of which was a log church. 

I was glad to see Alice and Joe, who had ar- 
rived before us, they having ridden with the 
stage. 

So here we were at another strange place, and 
once again I had to become accustomed to new 
surroundings, and make new friends, aye, and 
new enemies, for somehow it is as difficult to keep 
from making enemies as it is to make friends, 
yes, and more so. 

However, seeing that my master and mistress 
and Alice and Joe were all there I did not mind. 
Joe was kind enough to say to me one day: 
“Togo, you are one of the family now, don’t you 
know ?” 

My master continued to take his Sunday jour- 
neys. When he first set out on his new circuit 
I was about to accompany him as of yore, for I 
had been watching him make his preparations for 
departure, when he said to me : 

“No, Togo, my boy, not this time. I am 
afraid the journey would be too long for you.” 

I could scarcely understand being left behind 
thus, and the following week I became a bit stub- 
born and decided to go with him at all costs, but 
he was firm and said : 

“No, Togo, go back, sir, when I tell you!” And 
I mournfully turned back and went home. 

So I was thus forbidden to go on those jour- 
91 


TOGO 


neys any more. Perhaps my master thought that 
I was getting old and feeble; he was mistaken if 
he did, for I was not by any means feeble. 

I felt the disappointment very much, and laid 
around sulking all day. I was not able to recon- 
cile myself to seeing him go away without me for 
a long time. 

Though I was forbidden to accompany him, I 
did the next best thing. I noticed the road he 
took and then watched for his return. 

After a while I was able to guess fairly well 
what time he would return, and went a mile or 
so on the road to meet him. 

This sometimes surprised Alice and Joe, but it 
need be no surprise to them. I used to take par- 
ticular notice and did not forget, and often if 
they would do that it would be better for them in 
many ways. 

Many watchful hours did I spend in that way, 
and I did not get weary, for there is no one I care 
for like my master. 

Do not think that I had nothing else to do. A 
dog should always have something to occupy his 
attention when he is not asleep, so should girls 
and boys, else mischief soon claims them. 

The cattle ranged around that place freely and 
we had a gateway minus a gate in our back yard, 
and I had to keep them from coming in. 

We were not often troubled with hogs there; 
only once or twice do I remember some coming to 
visit us, and theirs was a short visit, too, and they 
92 


TOGO 


appeared in a great hurry to go away when I ap- 
peared, and they gave the same old squeal. 

Lest you should think that I have exaggerated 
my troubles, allow me to remind you that my 
troubles were fewer than those of most dogs. If 
people only studied dogs a little more, they would 
understand the many troubles they are as a rule 
subjected to, many of which might be avoided 
with a little care on the part of their owners. 

Yet I sometimes thought I was born to trouble 
in spite of the care bestowed upon me. Most of 
my troubles came unsought, too. 

I had become by this time, a quiet, steady, and 
I hope a reliable dog, and because of the careful 
training I quite understood my place in life, and 
what my duties were. 

Still, my fighting days were not over yet. I 
often felt I could thrash several dogs that were 
around, because of their meanness. But my or- 
ders were: “You are not to fight, Togo.” And 
perhaps this order was given because one day af- 
ter I had successfully come through a fight the 
neighbors said, “What, the preacher’s dog fight- 
ing? the very idea!” 

As though that were an unheard of thing. Do 
you not sometimes notice how some big boys, re- 
joicing in their superior size and strength, will 
sometimes set on to smaller and weaker ones and 
give them a licking? Well, there are some dogs 
like that; they seem to be glad when they can 
catch smaller dogs and punish them. 

And to own up to the truth, I have sometimes 
93 


TOGO 


been guilty of doing the same mean thing myself. 

One day while not thinking at all about fight- 
ing, nor desiring a conflict, a big dog, well it was 
a large long legged, sharp nosed boar hound that 
had followed its master to town, and seeing me 
alone, the ferocious creature came upon me as 
fierce as a lion and bit me shamefully. Of course 
I yelled with the pain, and my “Bai, Yea, Yea!” 
could be heard a long distance away, and luckily 
for me it brought along several other dogs, and 
they all joined in the fray. I received a few more 
bites, but we all now had equal chances, and I 
was able then to give as well as receive some bites. 

Finally, I went home limping and feeling 
shaken up and sore. 

Really, the more one tries, the more difficult it 
seems for a dog to keep from fighting, for when 
I make up my mind to abstain, another dog is sure 
to come around and seek a quarrel, and I am in- 
volved again, causing people to say: “It's the 
preacher’s dog again.” 

There was a dog that was a near neighbor of 
mine. I don’t know what breed you would call 
him, but I have heard different persons around 
say of him: “Go home, you mongrel.” 

That was not his name, however. He pos- 
sessed the pleasant name “Sam.” 

One would hardly imagine how a dog possess- 
ing such a nice name like that could be so un- 
sociable as Sam was. 

There were some complaints about me barking 
when Sam passed our place, but really I could not 

94 


TOGO 


help it, for I could scarcely call my life my own 
while he was around. 

He was a strong necked, short haired, black 
brute, with small sly looking eyes. 

If I wanted to be charitable and say a word 
or two in praise of him, I would say that he had 
the very strongest and whitest teeth for a dog that 
I have ever seen. 

Indeed, they were the best part of him. One 
day Sam’s master came to our house, and of 
course Sam must needs have a strange fit of faith- 
fulness and desired for once to follow him into 
our house. 

Now, if he had been as big as a lion I could 
not have allowed him to do that without making 
a strong protest ; so without a thought of the con- 
sequences, I tried to stop him right at the door. I 
believe he must have anticipated my action, for 
ere I could do anything at all he had taken hold 
of my ear with such a grip that his teeth, — those 
beautiful white strong teeth, must have met. 

Of course I set up a strong yell and struggled 
to get free, but Sam growled and held my ear 
between his teeth as though he had been paid to 
do it. 

We rolled together on the ground and a piece 
was pulled completely out of my ear. 

The noise of the scuffle brought our two mas- 
ters quickly to the scene of the conflict and Sam 
was unmercifully whacked until he let go. My 
master declared that Sam held on to me with a 
tenacity worthy of a better cause. 

95 


TOGO 


Can anyone wonder, then, at me barking when 
Sam passed the house after that ? 

No, a dog cannot possibly have a peaceful life 
even when he wants to. He has to be always 
ready for battle, and fight the best he can or be 
beaten. 

About a month or so after my encounter with 
Sam I overheard my mistress talking to Sam’s 
mistress, and she said: “Well, well, so poor old 
Sam is gone. ’Tis true, nobody liked him, and 
he was always very unsociable, but one does not 
like the idea of him being poisoned/’ 

So it seemed my sour old neighbor Sam was 
really poisoned, and only his mistress mourned 
his death, no one else ever did that I know of, 
for he was such a burden to himself and every- 
body, poor, sour tempered Sam. 

Yes, Sam’s life must have been a burdensome 
affair, for he never appeared to enjoy it a bit. 

Poor, crusty Sam, with nothing one could ad- 
mire but his teeth. 

Several, when they heard of his death, said : 
“Good job, too.” Oh, I hope I shall never get 
so crabby that people will wish me gone. 

“Ah, Togo,” said my master one day, “like 
Sam’s, there are some people living today whose 
loss would not be much mourned, for they are 
the sort that can never smile, and their life is full 
of gloom.” 

Sure enough, I never saw Sam again, and it 
seemed too good to be true, that I no longer had 
him to fear. 


96 


TOGO 


I had become so much used to barking at Sam 
and his master that I would bark at the latter out 
of force of habit after Sam was gone, but I soon 
became on friendly terms with him, and some 
thought that I took the place of Sam in the affec- 
tions of his mistress. 


9 7 


CHAPTER XIII. 


My master was, no doubt, considering my com- 
fort when he ordered me to stay at home. 

I have, however, been out with him several 
times on short distances such as ten miles out and 
back, and I found that the distance was quite 
enough for me. No doubt he knows what I am 
able to do. 

I am quite satisfied now with going on such 
occasional short journeys, for somehow I have an 
idea that I am getting too old for long distances. 

My master scarcely ever arrives home from his 
journeys without me giving him a cheery wel- 
come, and I have so far conquered the feeling of 
disappointment at not being able to accompany 
him, that I can cheerfully give him parting salutes 
when he sets out. 

I must tell you that one day my master being in 
a very thoughtful mood began to talk to him- 
self and then turning to me he said : “Well, Togo, 
old boy, you have certainly been a decent kind of 
dog all your life, and I am the one who should 
be able to say it, for I have known you ever since 
you were a wee fluffy pup. Taking your life 
through, you have been generally very faithful to 
duty, old boy. 

“You are only a dog, but one strange thing 
about you is : You have always been a great lover 
of the Church Service. Yes, old boy, much more 


TOGO 


so than many people I have known. Indeed, 
stranger still, we still have great difficulty in 
keeping you out of church as soon as service time 
arrives. How is it? 

“And, old boy, I have always noticed that when 
you are reproved for wrongdoing, you take the 
reproof in the spirit of humility. And so hu- 
miliated have you sometimes been after reproof, 
that I have often refrained from reproving you 
lest it should hurt your feelings too much. I tell 
you, old boy, oftentimes a little more of that 
quality in human beings would not be out of 
place. 

“Now, don’t get conceited,” he aded, “for I do 
not say that you have always profited by reproof 
when it has been given, and perhaps you are much 
like human beings in that. Like them also, you 
have a short memory for things you do not want 
to remember. 

“Yet, I verily believe I have always expected 
too much of you, for now I think upon it, there 
are not many of my friends who care about be- 
ing reproved at all and more’s the pity.” 

I was not able to understand much of what my 
master said, but I did understand the tone of his 
voice, and I knew it was friendly, so I stood up 
and looked my appreciation. 

“Yes, old boy,” he continued. You certainly 
do know how to appreciate a word of praise, and 
you never fail to show genuine gratitude when it 
is given.” 

“And, comparing you with men, I have known 
99 


TOGO 


some who have exhibited less courage before an 
enemy than you invariably show. 

“And look here,” added he, pointing at me with 
his finger, “I am going to tell you something else 
that will make you proud. Many boys and girls 
often whimper and complain at what is set before 
them to eat, and as for returning thanks to the 
Great Provider ! well, they would never think of 
doing so were they not told. 

“But, I am glad to say you always receive your 
meals with expressions of gratitude more or less 
fervent, and oftentimes with great pleasure. 

“And, further: Don't be proud when I say 
this : “You do not grab for your food like some 
dogs, but you will take it from one's hand gently 
and with the politest of manners, even though 
you are hungry, and do you know the same can- 
not be said of every boy and girl. 

“Further, now I think of it: There have been 
times when bones were scarce, aye, old boy? Yes, 
and meat scarcer, but you have not worried over- 
much, indeed you have shown great patience and 
sometimes independence, and have rustled your 
own bone, so as not to be beholden to anyone. 

“I like to see that in a dog,” said he, as 
though to himself, “and bless me, independence is 
not a bad trait in human beings.” 

All these honeyed words made me feel a little 
bit shy, and I became uneasy. But he said : “Now 
sit still till I have done.” Then he continued : 

“I have noticed, too, that you have often been 
provoked by heartless and thoughtless children, 
ioo 


TOGO 


and I have concluded that sometimes a little nip 
with your teeth would have been a good correc- 
tive for their cruelty, but no, you have suffered 
with a patience that was admirable. 

“Now, sit still and hear me out,” continued he. 
“I am only giving you what is your due, and am 
trying to keep to the truth. 

“I quite understand the reason of your dis- 
like for other meddling, intruding, unsociable 
dogs, and I have often sympathized with you 
when you have barked at them, for it happens that 
I, too, have known some meddling, intruding and 
unsociable people in my life, both young and old, 
and can testify how difficult it is to bear with 
them. 

“Again, I marvel at your long-suffering pa- 
tience and good spirit, in trying to make friends 
with people who will not be friendly, but persis- 
tently show that they have no sympathy for dogs. 
Have I not seen them snarl at you and put out 
their foot at you, and they surely would have 
kicked you had you not been quick to move out 
of their way. 

“I observe, too, that you are true to your ani- 
mal nature, and never go below it ; whereas many 
people who have boasted of their superiority over 
animals, have fallen even below their level. 

“Really, old boy, if some men were fortunate 
enough to be able to show such qualities as you 
have done, they would want it blazoned abroad in 
the newspapers, or perhaps they would presently 
expect a grateful world to inscribe their name 

IOI 


TOGO 


among the immortals upon the monuments of 
fame. 

“Now, down boy,” said he, as I jumped up to 
him to show my appreciation of all the honeyed 
words, the importance of which I could not un- 
derstand. 

“Down boy, I tell you. Let me finish my say.” 
And he continued : “I am allowed to say this as 
I am your master, and I wish it put on record 
that you have given me some splendid lessons in 
determination, perseverance and faithfulness — 
these three things. 

“Then, I have often noticed that once you 
have made up your mind to a certain course of 
action you are not easily turned aside from it. 
That is good, for a dog without a mind of its 
own is like a weak-minded boy, easily led astray. 

“Then, again, you do not shirk a task because 
it is hard, for I have seen you burrowing at a 
gopher hole for half an hour as though you had 
determined to succeed, if success was attainable 
at all. But there is young Joe, and other people's 
young Joes, who will turn from a lesson to play 
simply because the lesson is a bit hard. I tell 
you, Togo, boys and girls might learn many a 
lesson from you with advantage; they would then 
learn not to waste valuable time at shirking a 
task because it is hard.” 

Again, I do not profess to have understood all 
the words of my master, but there was no mistak- 
ing the tone of his voice which was exceedingly 
friendly, and when he mentioned Joe's name I 
102 


TOGO 


could remain quiet no longer, but barked loudly. 

"Just one more minute/' said he, motioning 
me to sit down again ; then he continued : 

"They say that dogs have no soul, Togie boy, 
and that there is no hereafter for them. Now do 
you know, if I had my choice of companions in 
the next world, and it lay between dogs of your 
sort and character, and that of some persons I 
have known, I believe I would choose you, old 
boy, nay, I am sure of it. 

"Most dogs live the best life they can according 
to their light, but I cannot say that of the gen- 
eral run of people. 

"Yes, I know, there are good dogs and bad 
dogs; faithful dogs and unfaithful dogs; quar- 
relsome dogs and peaceable dogs. But it is gen- 
erally found that dogs are true to their masters 
through fair or ill, through good report or bad 
report. I have known dogs to lead their mas- 
ters home when they have been drunk, and those 
same masters have kicked and beaten them about 
unmercifully. 

"Ah, yes! Goodness, love, faithfulness, sincer- 
ity, all these things are found in dogs, and, let 
me pat you on the back while I declare I have 
found these qualities in you to a great degree. 

"Yet we say a dog has no soul, and no here- 
after. Well, old boy, perhaps there are some 
things yet that men have not discovered.” And 
so saying he opened the door and let me out into 
the beautiful morning's sunlight which was in- 
deed beautiful to behold. 

103 


TOGO 


As a dog I have tried to learn a few things and 
have succeeded to a certain extent, and maybe I 
shall learn more ere I die. 

Owing to my master being a public man it has 
been my fortune to meet a great number of people 
in my short lifetime, and I can count a great num- 
ber of friends among them. 

My master declares that those who know me 
best will love me best, and in saying that he flat- 
ters me, but I hope if it is not altogether true, 
that it will be in part. 

I am now at the end of my story. There are 
no doubt, some things I have written that are 
interesting, and I hope profitable, too. 

May this story provoke greater interest in, and 
sympathy for, those animals who are so depen- 
dent upon mankind for their well being and hap- 
piness. 

O could I return to the days of puppyhood, 
When my heart was light and free; 

O, yes, I sigh for the days of doggiehood, 

For the fun and jollity. 


[The End.] 

H 70 86 ' 


104 
















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